Psalm 72; 1 Kings 22:1-28; 1 Cor. 2:1-13; Matt. 4:18-25
Jehoshaphat is prepared to take Ramoth-Gilead back for the kingdom and seeks Ahab’s assistance in the venture. Ahab is apparently concerned as well. Or is he just being Ahab, going along to get along? He quickly assents to the battle and offers all that he has to the king but Jehoshaphat wants to inquire of the Lord first and the company of prophets is assembled, all of whom say to go for it, some more colorfully than others. Apparently Jehoshaphat is not convinced by these prophets, however many there may be, he has misgivings about their prophetic sensibilities and asks if there is not one more. Ahab says that there is but he never prophesies good for him. As Ahab has led the people astray and Elijah has already prophesied doom for him, how could a true prophet bless Ahab? Micaiah initially speaks words of blessing but even Ahab knows that they are not true. Ultimately, Micaiah is treated roughly and imprisoned but now without speaking the Word of the Lord.
Matthew gives us a very abbreviated version of the call of the fishermen compared with Luke who tells us about a miraculous catch of fish prior to the call. At any rate, Matthew is less interested in this than in the response of the men to the call and they, like Matthew himself, immediately leave everything they have known behind for the chance to follow Jesus. The ministry begins in earnest as Jesus brings men around Him as His disciples. He heals and His fame spreads throughout the region, attracting great crowds. Is he a prophet like of old? His works authenticate His teaching, people believe the Lord is with Him and speaking through Him based on the works or, as John would prefer, signs. A sign points beyond itself and Jesus’ works point to the One through whom the works are done. Micaiah’s parting words for Ahab were that if Ahab returned from this battle the Lord had not spoken by Micaiah. Jesus’ life and His words confirm to us that He is of the Lord and therefore we should expect Him to return.
Paul says that his proclamation is not based in worldly wisdom but in a higher wisdom, God’s wisdom and truth and that is proclamation was accompanied, as Jesus’ proclamation, with works of power to authenticate it. The spirit of the age, every age, looks askance at the proclamation of the Gospel because it requires faith and it runs counter to what people “know.” We know that God can’t become man, certainly not by being born of a virgin. We know that miracles can’t happen, men can’t walk on water, they can’t be raised from four days dead (Lazarus), and men who are crucified can’t be resurrected and then ascend to heaven. Knowledge of these things requires the Spirit of God but that doesn’t mean we are arrogant regarding our knowledge but it does mean that we don’t bow the knee to inferior sources of knowledge in timidity. It does mean that we should pray for power to accompany the proclamation.
Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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