Finding Purpose in Obscurityናሙና

Micaiah – Finding Truth in Obscurity

We—as human beings—have been deceiving since roughly the beginning of time. Since the Garden of Eden, when the snake spoke the first lie into existence (“Did God really say?”), we’ve perfected the art of misinformation. Today, in our current cultural moment, with the rise of AI technology, discernment between lies and truth is only going to increase in difficulty.

However, in the Old Testament, we’re introduced to a prophet who is willing to tell the truth, no matter the cost.

His name is Micaiah. No, not Micah. And no, not Malachi.

Micaiah, and while his role in the Scriptures seems scarce, his impact was immense.

In the time of the kingly rule of Ahab, a multitude of prophets were summoned to prophesy about the king’s (and Israel’s) future. The answer was unanimous: Attack the enemy. You will be victorious.

Enter: Micaiah.

The king posed the same question to Micaiah. “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or not?” (1 Kings 22:15, NIV).

Needless to say, Micaiah’s answer didn’t line up with the other prophets. In fact, he calls out the other prophets for who they really are: deceivers meant to entice Ahab into fighting a battle he will not win.

Micaiah’s reward for telling the truth? A slap to the face. Literally. Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah went up and slapped Micaiah in the face (1 Kings 22:24, NIV).

And then? Prison. “This is what the king says: Put this fellow in prison and give him nothing but bread and water until I return safely” (1 Kings 22:27, NIV).

King Ahab ended up disregarding Micaiah’s prophecy and went to war with Ramoth Gilead. He attempted to deceive the enemy by wearing the garb of a soldier. He was killed by a stray arrow.

Within this story lies a powerful lesson: We cannot bear the weight of people’s response to the truth, but we mustn’t shy away from sharing it in the first place.

The art of a Trailblazer is a commitment to the Way, Truth, and Life that is Jesus Christ. His gospel is offensive. His ways are countercultural. And his words—to those who don’t want to hear them—seem harsh. But there is beauty in fidelity to Jesus. His teachings usurp all of the cultural idols that have arisen. His Kingdom prevails above all of the other kingdoms we have erected. It is our duty to declare the truth, regardless of the cost.

This is to be done—of course—in love. But still, it must be done. When we compromise on the truth, we essentially admit our distrust in the character of God. God is love. And the truth—expressed in love—is the light which pushes back the darkness of this world.

Telling the truth may not score you fame or acclaim. In fact, telling the truth could be the fast track to obscurity. But with your character intact, a deeper level of intimacy with God the Father awaits. That exchange is worth it, every single time.