Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto Him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head, as He sat at meat. But when His disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, “To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.” When Jesus understood. He said unto them,
“Why trouble ye the woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon Me. For ye have the poor always with you; but Me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on My body, she did for My burial.
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” Matthew 26:6-13
sold
Speak the Truth
“And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.” 1 Kings 22:14 (KJB)
The king of Judah, the southern kingdom; and the king of Israel, the northern kingdom were joining together to fight a common enemy who was Syria. Jehoshaphat the southern king went to visit Ahab. The characters and hearts of these two kings were completely opposed to the other. Jehoshaphat was a king who did what was right in the eyes of the LORD (22:42-43). Ahab was so wicked he sold himself to do wickedness against the LORD (21:20, 25).
Micaiah, whose name means “Who is like the LORD?” is the same as that of Micah, the name of the prophet Micah of the Minor Prophets of the Bible. I do not think they are one and the same. Micaiah was a captive of king Ahab. Ahab hated Micaiah, because he never spoke favorably to what Ahab desired. He spoke what God said.
In this cooperative effort Jehoshaphat wants to hear what God says about going to battle against Syria. Four hundred prophets; and I would put a question mark around the word “Prophets” in that statement. They only spoke what this king wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat realizing that calls for a different prophet. Micaiah is called, told to speak what the others have spoken, and he says the words of the verse above.
O how we need those who stand in pulpits today to speak the word of God, rather than the words of men. We are told by Paul the apostle to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:14-15). Ahab did not care for the truth. Notice his words when Micaiah uses sarcasm to him what he wants to hear, “How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?” (22:16)
The Christian pastor, preacher, deacon, Bible study teacher, bus driver, etc. needs the resolve, and to resolve to speak the word of God which is truth. It is the only truth worth speaking. Do not add to it. Do not take away from it.
The Truth of God is powerful to change lives. It is powerful to change your life. Jesus Christ the Son of God, God the Son is the Living Truth (J0hn 14:6). He is alive and well. He loves you so much that He went willingly to an old rugged cross, laid down His life, died, was buried, and He rose again declaring the victory over sin and death. That is the Truth.
Resolve today to receive the truth, live the truth, and speak the truth in love for Christ.
For Sale: One Soul
“And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.” 1 Kings 21:20 (KJV)
The confrontation of Ahab by God’s prophet Elijah was following one of the most horrendous acts of murder and treachery in history and Scripture. With the direct scheming, plotting, and lies of Jezebel; to which Ahab was complicit; to murder, and rob citizen Naboth the Jezreelite, of his vineyard.
Note that Ahab considers Elijah an enemy. That in itself speaks volumes of Ahab’s heart. King David; even following his heinous acts of deceit and the murder of Uriah; welcomed the prophet Nathan into his courts (2 Samuel 12:1-14). Anyone who speaks the word of God should be our friend.
How does one begin to sell themselves? The selling of oneself to evil or good is up to that individual. To sell oneself to evil begins with the lust of the eye; the lust of the flesh; and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Jesus Himself was tempted in these three things; from which all sin comes; when He went into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
All it takes to sell yourself to evil is to see God and His word as antiquated, and without merit in the world; or personal life and living. To see God as a liar; or even non-existent; and to make your own deities.
Hear the words of Jesus,
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37
Sell yourself rather to the Lord Jesus Christ. He has paid for you with His own life. Call upon His name, trusting in His death, burial and resurrection, and He will deliver you from your sin and condemnation.
The Fire and Hammer 