Old Testament Characters In A Modern Setting
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning . .." (Rom. 15:4)
Micaiah
The words, "but I hate him," were spoken by Ahab, king of Israel. They are recorded in 1 Kings 22:8. The person under consideration was one of God's loyal servants and prophets named Micaiah. Along with Elijah and Obadiah, this fearless man of God proved to be a thorn in the side of Israel's wicked king on numerous occasions. Ahab reveals the reason for his vehement hatred of the prophet "For he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil."
Micaiah had the determination to teach and speak that which God revealed. His sole interest was in obtaining the favor of God by declaring that which was his will. He cared not for the hypocritical praise and flattery of vile and corrupt men. Neither popularity, wealth, nor persecution could induce him to deviate from God's commandments. His desire was to please his Master. Thus, he boldly states, "As Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak." (Vs. 14)
How different is the attitude of this man from the men-pleasing, women-pleasing, position-loving attitudes too often seen in preachers of today! Is it not a shameful disgrace that we have among us such mealy-mouthed preachers as are often evinced in the church? Truly our great need is men: men who love the truth and are willing to declare it simply, plainly, forcefully, and fully; men who can rise above their own prejudices; men who care not what the sinners, either within or without the church, may say or think of them (or do to them); men who can truthfully say, "As Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak." The church needs men who are of the same disposition as was Micaiah.
Upon the shoulders of this great man, Micaiah, rested the responsibility of proclaiming the truth without fear or favor. And upon the shoulders of those who have given themselves to proclaiming the good tidings of the Savior is placed the burden of revealing to mankind the glorious and wonderful truths which the gospel contains. Their duty is, also, to reveal the awful consequences which rest upon those who reject God's will. (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Thess. 1:7-9.)
It was not Micaiah's function to judge the truths of God. Neither is it our function to judge his truths. It is not our function to select and cull these truths. It is not our function to insert within said truths our own theories and speculations. Our obligation and function is merely to proclaim and obey that which has been revealed — both positively and negatively. May the Father help us to learn and heed this lesson!
Ahab
It is said of Ahab that he "did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah above all (the kings of Israel, RH) that were before him." (1 Kings 16:30.) He was a man, if he could truly be called such, who was wont to disregard and despise nearly every utterance which descended from above. And because of his violent hatred of God's word, he developed a hatred for those who delivered the word. His desire was that the prophets speak words which would tickle his ears. Ahab had his own preconceived ideas as to what the prophets should speak and woe be unto the man who deviated from these ideas.
Today there are many "Modern Ahabs" who desire to hear words which will tickle their ears and salve their consciences. These "Ahabs" are definitely not all without the church of Christ. The apostle Paul prophesied of such in 2 Timothy 4:3,4. "For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables."
As in the days of Micaiah, when faithful followers of God speak the truth, they are hated by the "Ahabs" of today. Gospel preachers and teachers quite often observe the rearing of the ugly heads of the "Modern Ahabs." Let a man speak out boldly concerning modern dancing, drinking, fornication, adultery, divorce, gossip, discipline in the church (and I might add in the home), institutionalism, modernism, indifference and downright laziness among church members, various errors within the religious world, and other sins; then, the opposition of the local "Ahabs" (and the local "Jezebels" who encourage them) will begin. As their predecessor, Ahab, was determined to have his own way, they, too, must be heard and obeyed. As he refused to submit to God, so do they refuse. As he heaped to himself false teachers, so do they. And as he cried, "But I hate him," in like manner do the "Modern Ahabs' cry.
Jezebel
Jezebel was the wife of Ahab. (1 Kings 16:31.) Her name has become almost synonymous with sin. A mother would be as likely to name her son Judas as to name her daughter Jezebel! She was, among other things, guilty of forgery, lying, and murder. She was a Gentile idolatress and the influence which she had over her husband was tremendous.
Many are the men who have been ruined by "Modern Jezebels." Some of the "she-elders," "she-deacons," and "she-preachers" are merely "Jezebels" in thin disguise.
Zedekiah
But I have neglected the false prophet, Zedekiah. He was the son of Chenaanah. He was truly one of the most popular of the "men-pleasing" prophets (?). He developed a hatred for Micaiah which nearly equaled that of King Ahab.
Is not Zedekiah's counterpart with us today? Is there not abundant evidence that Zedekiah "lives again" in the hearts of many men? At any rate, he can truthfully be said to have represented the disposition of many who now live. When loyal servants of the King of kings begin to contend with those who teach error, they are smitten "on the cheek" (1 Kings 22:24) by these same "Zedekiahs." From the tongues and pens of these men come scathing epithets, terrible warnings, and an over-abundance of hate-filled personal attacks. These "Zedekiahs" realize that they have the backing of powerful and influential (and hypocritical) man and they intend to take advantage of that fact just as their predecessor did. Their "end shall be according to their works." 2 Cor. 11:15.)
Ah! Me! With all of the modern "Ahabs," "Jezebels," and "Zedekiahs" on the loose (along with too few "Micaiahs"), does anyone care to accept the theory of reincarnation?