- But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.” 1 Kings 22:34 – Random isn’t how God works. After hearing from a prophet’s mouth that he would be killed in battle, Ahab the king of Israel decided to go into that battle in disguise so the enemy army wouldn’t be able to recognize him as king. Yet during the course of battle, a battle which the enemy commanders said to only attack the King of Isreal in, a “random” archer shot a single arrow and it landed between the armor plates of the disguised King of Israel, which soon led to his death. Anyone reading this passage, or any solider during this battle, would have to say that the odds of this taking place at random would be astronomical. For the reality is this wasn’t random, it was all at the hand of God. God said it would happen, and it happened. As we lean into Easter today, keep in mind that nothing of this day was a “random” occurrence. Jesus being born exactly the way scripture said would happen wasn’t by chance. Jesus living a sinless life, Jesus being betrayed, Jesus being arrested and beaten, Jesus being crucified, and finally Jesus rising from the dead was not some random occurrence. God orchestrated all this and His hands have been in this story since before time began. What we are celebrating today is not some event in history that happened at random, the resurrection was the perfectly finished plan of the Lord to offer us the salvation we needed. Random isn’t how God works. Praise Jesus that our God came at the right time, sacrificed the right sacrifice, and made it possible for us to be right with the Father. Happy Easter everyone! I love you, but Jesus our risen Savior loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3066
- 1 Kings 22 Daily DEVO And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 1 Kings 22:13-14 – Let God be the one who directs you on what to say, especially if you’re speaking on behalf of Him. Yes, that means for those who are called to preach and teach the Word like pastors, but God directs every believer to share the truth of His Word with others. That being the case, don’t let the influence of the world tailor what you say about God’s truth. Speak it with respect and gentleness, but speak the whole truth. Some messages that need to be shared with those close to you won’t be easy to say and the temptation to hold back the truth will be there. God though it’s directing you to share the whole truth with them, even the parts that you know they won’t want to hear. Just remember that while the truth may sound sharp to those in sin, it’s the truth that will set them free. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1023
- And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.” 1 Kings 22:5 – Find yourself a Jehoshaphat. Here the King of Israel (Ahab) and the king of Judah (Jehoshaphat) are contemplating going to war together against an enemy. Ahab is ready to press forward with the plan, but Jeho pauses and says the words of our verse. Jeho directs Ahab to first check with God to see if these plans are good and holy. Do you have someone like this in your story. Someone who will remind you to pause and inquire of the Lord with your plans. It’s easy to get excited about plans and easy to take steps without ever pausing to see if these plans are what God wants. Have people that will remind you to pause. Be the type of person that causes others to pause and seek God’s will. Before you take a step, make sure that step is one God wants you to take. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2206
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