Who Really Speaks for the Lord? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Kings 22:7,

"Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?"

The setting of this question was quite remarkable. The king of Judah was asked by the king of Israel to help him fight the Arameans. The king of Judah wanted to seek the counsel of the Lord through a prophet first. Before both kings, about four hundred prophets were already prophesying when the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, asked this question of the king of Israel, Ahab.

Ahab reluctantly asked that a true prophet of the Lord, Micaiah, be summoned. The four hundred prophets clearly were not of the Lord and, contrary to their claims, could not obtain the counsel of the Lord any more than anyone else. In other words, even though they held the office of prophet, even though they were recognized within Israel as prophets, they simply were not. In spite of the four hundred prophets already prophesying, there was only one real prophet to call upon. Only one who could obtain the counsel of the Lord.

Should not this question be asked today? There are countless men and women today who claim to speak for the Lord. Countless "ministries", countless churches, countless Christian authors, popes, priests, elders, pastors, evangelists, all who claim to speak for the Lord today. What is fascinating is that so many are saying differing and conflicting things. Should not their "credentials" as true spokespeople for the Lord be questioned?

Just because someone has advanced to some sort of leadership position, has advanced in some sort of recognition as being an "expert" in the things of the Lord, has a seminary degree, a best selling Christian book, why should their "credentials" in speaking for the Lord not be questioned?

The events of Jehoshaphat's and Ahab's day should teach us today that not all who claim to speak for the Lord really speak for him. The Scriptures, our Bible, is the place to go to validate anyone's credentials to truly speak for the Lord.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.