The Real Meaning of Life

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/1_kings/22.htm

Prophets. When are they good, and when aren’t they?

God used prophets to convey his message to the children of Israel. And we’ve read about prophets like Nathan, who reminded David of his sins after David’s lust got in the way of his clear thinking. We’ve had prophets like Samuel, who warned Saul many times over about his behavior, but Saul wouldn’t listen and ended up separating himself from God.

And we will continue to read about prophets sent by God, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonah, and others. But this chapter brought a question to mind when I read it. We read that Jehoshaphat went to visit Ahab, and the discussion turned towards an invasion of Syria to retrieve a city that once belonged to Israel. And scripture says that Jehoshaphat called together his prophets and asked them if he should go against the Syrians.

The first thing I thought of when I read this was, “why was Jehoshaphat calling on his prophets rather than praying to God himself?” That is the first thing we should do at all times, whether we are asking for God’s guidance or simply thanking Him for a beautiful day He provided us. Where was Jehoshaphat’s direct line of communication with God?

There’s a difference, in my opinion, when scripture says, “God sent His prophet”, as opposed to “someone consulted their prophets”. What was the difference between Jehoshaphat’s prophets and seers which God warns us not to seek? Remember when Saul went to a seer, against his own law by the way, the Witch of Endor, to try to summon Samuel from the death. What is the difference between Saul seeking a seer instead of God, and Jehoshaphat seeking his “seers” rather than consulting with God?

I know there is likely a difference as the passage doesn’t call out Jehoshaphat for doing so, but in my mind, it just reinforced in me that it is best to talk to God directly. Pray. Pray without ceasing. Prophesy also says there will be false prophets in the end times, and you surely don’t want to seek or listen to their advice.

When you read this, it seems to simply be about an event in history. But to me, the deeper meaning is to remain close to God, to maintain a line of communications with Him. Afterall, there is little difference in what Jehoshaphat did and seeking the advice of a pastor or priest, is there?

And this chapter records a prophesy of God Himself, the ultimate prophet, when He told Ahab that his punishment for separating himself from God was that the dogs would like his blood up. And as we read, we know that is true.

If you get a warning from God, you better heed it.