How can we be like Micaiah in sharing God's truth with others? Setting the Scene • In 605 BC Jeremiah’s prophetic words are dictated to Baruch, read publicly in the temple court, and overheard by Micaiah. • Jeremiah 36:11: “When Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the LORD from the scroll,” • What follows (vv. 12-20) shows Micaiah rushing to the royal quarters, repeating every word he has just heard, and paving the way for the officials—and eventually King Jehoiakim—to be confronted with God’s message. Portrait of Micaiah: What He Did • He listened attentively. • He recognized the words as “the words of the LORD.” • He acted immediately—without being asked—to pass on the message. • He reported the message faithfully, word for word (v. 13). • He risked royal displeasure by ensuring God’s truth reached those in authority. Why His Example Matters • Truth was urgent; delay could cost lives. • Truth was precious; alteration would distort God’s voice. • Truth was confrontational; yet love compelled him to share. Lessons for Us Today • Hear before you speak – Romans 10:17 reminds us “faith comes by hearing.” – Regular, focused Bible intake equips us to recognize God’s voice. • Believe the message is truly God’s – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 commends those who “accepted it not as the word of men, but as the word of God.” • Move quickly when the Spirit prompts – Ephesians 5:16: “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” • Speak exactly what Scripture says – Proverbs 30:5-6 warns against adding to God’s words. • Accept the risk of rejection – Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Practical Steps to Speak Like Micaiah 1. Daily, intentional Scripture intake—read aloud, memorize, meditate. 2. Keep a ready summary of the gospel and key verses. 3. Pray for open doors and courage (Colossians 4:3-4). 4. When a door opens, share promptly—text, call, coffee, meeting. 5. Quote Scripture directly; let the Word carry its own authority. 6. Trust results to God; faithfulness, not applause, is the measure. Encouragement from the New Testament • 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” • 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer… yet with gentleness and respect.” • Hebrews 4:12: God’s Word remains “living and active,” still able to cut through hardened hearts—ours is simply to deliver it. Putting It All Together Micaiah heard, hurried, and heralded. Mimic that rhythm: tune your ear to Scripture, treat every occasion as divine appointment, and transmit God’s truth unchanged. In doing so, you join a long line of faithful messengers who trust that the Word they share will never return empty (Isaiah 55:11). |
    |