Seeking Truth

One of the volunteer readers of my new manuscript agreed to offer critique, but was concerned she would hurt my feelings if she didn't like the book. I begged her to be honest. Hurt my feelings. I will get over it...but I want the truth. I can improve with the truth. I will wallow in self deception with false optimism.

One of my favorite prophets is Micaiah. Probably most people have never heard of him, or don't remember anything about him. He was a prophet of Israel during the evil reign of Ahab. (Please note the following is a paraphrase. For the exact translation, go to 2 Chronicles 18.) Ahab wanted to know if he and the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, should go to war against the Syrians. Would they be victorious? All Ahab's prophets said, "Sure! Go! You will kick their tookus!"
But Jehoshaphat didn't trust the prophets and asked if there was anyone else they could ask. I love what Ahab tells him, "Well yeh...but he only prophesies bad things so I don't like to hear his opinion."

I thought about that portion of the story. I love optimism, but I think optimism has become a God for some people. Given the choice between positive thinking and truth, I think we ought to go for truth. But there are a disturbing number of people I know that would rather not hear truth if it is not uplifting.

Returning to Michaiah, as he is brought to the king, he is warned to go along with the cheery prophesies of the other prophets. Michaiah, in one of the funnier sarcastic sections of the Bible tells the king, "YES! Go to battle! You will win hands down!" Ahab, evil but not stupid, knows Michaiah is being disingenous, and tells him to knock off the sarcasm and speak what he has on his mind. Michaiah tells Ahab not to go to battle, and if he does, he will be killed. Ahab responds as many of us do to bad news -- he throws the messenger in jail and ignores the advice. In the end, Ahab goes to battle and is indeed killed.

There are so many lessons in this story it is hard to focus on just one. However, since this is a blog, not a book, I will stick with one point. Do not worship optimism. Truth is a far better companion in the end, even if along the way it is not quite as pleasant. Optimism based on ignorance or even worse, lies, will make the walk into Hell more congenial perhaps, but in the end, you arrive at a place you don't want to be.

On the other hand, follow truth, and the truth will set you free.


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So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:31, 32, 36 ESV)

2 Chronicles 18:13-19 NIV
[13] But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what my God says.” [14] When he arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I not?” “Attack and be victorious,” he answered, “for they will be given into your hand.” [15] The king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” [16] Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, ‘These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.’ ” [17] The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn’t I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?” [18] Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing on his right and on his left. [19] And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?’ “One suggested this, and another that.



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