In 1 Kings 22 King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Israel want to take some property back from the king of Aram. Jehoshephat has the king of Israel ask God first. The king gathers 400 prophets together who all say that this is a good idea. Jehoshephat still has his doubts so he asks if there is any other prophet to consult. The king mentioned Micaiah but the king doesn’t like him because he never says anything good to the king. A messenger is sent to Micaiah with the message that all the prophets agree to the battle and Micaiah should say the same. Micaiah says he will only say what God wants. Micaiah tells them that if they go into battle the king of Israel (Ahab) will die. He also says that the other prophets have been given a lying spirit. They decided to fight anyway. Ahab was killed in the battle.

Ahab didn’t want to hear the truth from Micaiah. He would rather hear lies from the other prophets and be destroyed than listen to Micaiah and live. Often we surround ourselves with those who agree with us even if it means that we will make bad choices. The word of the Lord is not always easy to hear. It often tells us that we are going in the wrong direction. It is our decision whether to follow that word or to believe the lies that may sound better or easier. We will also have to deal with the consequences of taking the easy way out.

Psalm 60 is a song of realization that David has been going the wrong way and the people are being punished by God. David promises to do as God desires and fight God’s enemies.

Psalm 61 is a prayer at the end of life. Even in the last days David remains faithful.