March 5, 2003
Reading: 2 Chron 18:12-27

 

“As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that will I speak” (13)

 

Micaiah was a prophet of Jehovah, one who had the reputation of speaking the truth, unlike the 400 or so who “tickled the ears” of the kings by telling them what they thought they wanted hear. King Ahab hated Micaiah, “Because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil” 2 Chron 18:7. Ahab was not fond of truthful prophets – he also hated Elijah (1 Kings 21:20). Jehoiakim, King of Judah burned the scroll containing the prophecies of Jehovah because he did not like what it said (Jer 36:28). When Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel, they were granted their freedom providing they would not “teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Their response was, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20).

These accounts have one thing in common – the words spoken they received directly from the Lord. Tragically, this is a missing element in most Christian’s doctrine and beliefs. The sad fact is that most people believe the way they do because they heard it explained that way by someone else. Of course, this is the way God has set it up – “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” Eph 4:11-12. This is perfectly acceptable for the young Christian, new in the faith, but as we mature in Christ, we have a responsibility to study the Word of God for ourselves. I agree, without some form of guidance this can lead to diverse beliefs and false doctrines. The question is, to whom are we looking for guidance?

I remember teaching a Bible Class every Wednesday morning in a Baptist Church. The group that gathered regularly consisted of Baptists, Pentecostals, Disciples of Christ, Anglicans and Catholics – quite a diverse group. At the beginning of our studies in the Book of Hebrews, I made the statement, “Please do not believe anything because I said it. Rather, take what I teach and prayerfully examine it for yourself in the light of the Word of God. If God confirms it to your heart, accept it, if He doesn’t, reject it.” I do not want anyone to say they believe the way they do because I taught it that way. While I am convinced from the Word of God in everything I teach (and desire that others believe likewise), my greater desire is they believe it because God has shown them from His Word. When asked why they believe a certain way, how much more authority will they have if they can show from the Word how the Lord showed them. How much more exciting.

At the same time, teachers should keep their mouths shut unless they can say without hesitation, “The Word of the Lord came to me.” Of course, there are no new revelations from God, but He has designed the method for learning - “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things” John 14:26. Teachers, how can you teach with authority and conviction unless your Teacher is the Holy Spirit? Fellow Believers, the Holy Spirit has promised to teach us, and His “text book” is the Bible.

Because of the persecution he experienced from teaching the Word of Jehovah, Jeremiah decided to stop preaching, “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not” Jer 20:9. This kind of belief and conviction comes only when taught by the Holy Spirit. Listen to your teacher, but ask the Holy Spirit to confirm it to you.