1 Kings 22:13-17 – Let’s be true to our conviction

When Micaiah finally arrived, he was warned to speak a message that would concur with the rest of Ahab’s professional prophets. In 1 King 22:13, he was told to simply regurgitate what they had said. He was expected not to speak what was laid on his heart by Yahweh. But Micaiah retorted them with sarcasm saying, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I shall speak.”

So 1 Kings 22:15 said that when he came before King Ahab and was asked the question, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” Knowing that everyone expected him to concur what them, Micaiah first played along. He derisively said, “Go up and succeed, and the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” However, Ahab saw through his mocked answer. He knew that the prophet would never have replied that way unless he was coerced. Perhaps, he wanted to test if this time Micaiah was willing to play along. It appeared as if Ahab saw through Micaiah's mockery, so he angrily asked, “How many times must I adjure you to speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” Ahab had miscalculated. He had unwittingly opened an opportunity for him to speak his heart. So in verse 17, Micaiah spoke the truth that was in his heart. He said:

“I saw all Israel
Scattered on the mountains,
Like sheep which have no shepherd.
And the Lord said, ‘These have no master.
Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

Although Micaiah was alone standing for the truth, he remained fearless. Though he was one against 400, he chose not to run with the crowd. That’s what God also expects each of us his true disciple to do. Uniformity is what most people would want to see in the church. Unfortunately, uniformity almost always means conformity. And conformity in turn always minimizes true conviction. While God wants us to get along with each another, he wants us to remain solidly committed to the truth uncompromisingly. Wish the church today would have more Micaiah, who dare to stand alone in his conviction for God even though none would stand with him. A true conviction that can stand the test of God’s Word, must be our standard for truth and practice. Anything less is not worthy of Him!