The Pain of Speaking for God

Have you ever been ridiculed for speaking the truth about God? Have you ever encountered persecution for standing up for God? If so, it can be surprising. It can catch us off guard. We can begin to believe that people are eagerly anticipating a word from the Lord, almost as if they jumped out of bed that morning thinking, "Man, I hope someone comes along to instruct and correct me according to the laws and ways of God." This just isn't so. In fact, more times than not, when we say what God says, we stand against the vast majority of the population. Consider this...

"At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa the king of Judah and said to him, 'Because you have relied on the king of Aram and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Aram has escaped out of your hand.'" 2 Chronicles goes on to say, "Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him for this." A similar thing happens to the messenger Michaiah a few chapters later when he delivers a word to the king of Israel. Michaiah said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep which have no shepherd; And the Lord said, 'These have no master. Let each of them return to his peace.' Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, 'Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?'" One would think that the king would respond by saying, "WOW! Thanks, Michaiah! You have warned us of imminent danger. You have stepped in and kept us from heartache, misery and pain. We are so thankful that you have shared this information with us." Not only do the king and his false prophets not thank him, they rail against him. "Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Michaiah on the cheek and said, 'How did the Spirit of the Lord pass from me to speak to you?'" Well, thank you very much. 'Preciate it!

If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't lose heart. Jesus reminds us that, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11 & 12)