“Also Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.” Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” So they said, “Go up, for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.” But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?””
II Chronicles 18:4-6 NKJV
There’s good advice, then there’s G-d’s advice. The two are very different.
The Proverbs teach that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11:14 and 15:22). And while a multitude of perspectives is great – it’s the voice of G-d that matters most. His voice should be the beacon guiding me.
Our Pastor said last night, “There’s a difference between perception and prophecy.” The 400 “prophets” surely perceived they would win because they were larger in number.
So how do we know what is “prophecy”? It’s fairly simple actually. The Word of G-d is our plumb-line. Does the advice or “prophecy” align with the Word of G-d and His character? Every piece of advice or word called prophecy should be measured against His truth and His standard.
Jesus Himself gave us an example of that. He taught that He could do nothing by Himself – He could only do what He sees the Father doing and that He could only speak what the Father had told Him to say (John 5:19-20, 12:49 – 50). How could He do this? He knew the Torah. He prayed. He communed with G-d. He KNEW the Father. He had come to recognize the voice of G-d above all others.
When I seek advice – or when others come to me for counsel – it is crucial that I carefully inquire of Him. I must listen for His voice and weigh it against His Truth. Sometimes He speaks quickly – other times His answer is delayed. I read once that G-d’s delays are not G-d’s denials; rather, the delays are His grace and mercy. The timing of the Lord is perfect – even when I’m impatient. The ways of the Lord are sure – even when I stumble. The voice of the Lord is holy – even when I doubt.
Every action has a consequence. Everything either exalts Him or it exalts the enemy. There is no middle ground, no gray area. It is more crucial than ever to make careful inquiry of Him regarding decisions in the days ahead and to heed His voice alone, above all others. May He silence the noise within us so we have the ability hear and recognize His voice – even when it’s just a whisper. He’s always speaking. Are we listening?
Father – thank You for Your mercy. How good You are and how beautiful Your voice. Train my ears to hear and respond to You first above all others. Give me ears to hear and a heart to please You alone. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18
June 29, 2022