Daily Reading
Daily Thought
What makes an evil king evil? King Ahab of Israel, an evil king, was going to war. He asked King Jehoshaphat, a righteous king, to join him. Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.” King Ahab had 400 prophets who said “Yes.” They always said “Yes.” Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?” Ahab said there was one other, “…but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil” (1Kings 22:5, 7-8).
An evil king wants to hear only good.
In Psalm 141, we listen to King David pleading for purity. almost commanding God to attend to him, “Give ear to my voice when I call you!” (Psalm 141:1), The exclamation mark is rightly placed at the end–a reverent “Listen to me when I talk to you” would be an accurate translation. David wants help from God; he longs to hear from God, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth” (v 3), and from the godly, “Let a righteous man strike me–it is a kindness; let him rebuke me–it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it” (v 5).
A righteous king wants to hear only God.
Daily Prayer
Lord God, You know the beginning and the end, Your words are wise and good, and You lead into righteousness those who are willing to follow.
God, I will make time each day to read Your Word. Speak to me. May Your Word reveal any rebelliousness in me and may it teach, reprove, correct, and train me to be righteous.
Amen
Daily Question
How does God correct you when you are wrong?