Wednesday, November 05, 2008

The Randomness of God

Not too long ago I wrote the following post. I ran across it and thought I'd post it, I trust it will be a blessing for you!

The other day I'm reading in 2 Chronicles 18 where Jehoshaphat was King and made a very unwise alliance with the wicked King Ahab.


Here is the thumbnail story:

Jehoshaphat allies himself to Ahab by marriage and then is enticed to fight with Ahab against Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat knows that they really need to consult the LORD before going to battle, so he asks Ahab if there are any prophets that speak for the LORD.

Ahab rounds up his 400 prophets and to a man they tell them to go to battle because God has given Ramoth Gilead in to their hand. Jehoshaphat then asks a great question: “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?” In other words ... not that I don't believe your 400 prophets, but would there be just one prophet that truly speaks for God?

Ahab says yes but he hates this guy because he never says anything good about him. They call this prophet in and after a while he lays out the truth: “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’” Wow that does not sound very good - - Ahab's response: “Did I not tell you he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” What a riot!

Long story longer...Ahab throws the prophet in prison until he returns in victory, the prophet says I'll die there because you are never going to return! During the ensuing war, the Bible says the following: Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.” The battle increased that day, and the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot facing the Syrians until evening; and about the time of sunset he died.

The prophet was correct as usual and Ahab died in the battle.

What I really love in this story is that the prophet said Ahab would die and the Bible says that " a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor." A certain man, a random shot, an arrow that just happened to strike between the joints of armor.

There Is Nothing Random About God!

I Remain,
Pastor Steve

1 comment:

Str8Arrow said...

it is amazing that events that seem random at the time come together for God to work out His will. I would like to randomly draw my bow at a deer tonight.