Presidents and Prophets: Resisting the King's Table
Ahab had 400 prophets in his house whom he supported, but these were not prophets who stood for God. Instead, they were prophets who benefited from his system; they would not rebuke or correct him because they had advantages with him being in that political position. In contrast, Daniel asked the eunuch to give them a special diet because he did not want to be corrupted by the King's table.
It is possible to be a minister, to stand before kings, and not be corrupted by the King's table. Many who enter into the realm of politics, having been called to minister to politicians, presidents, and people of influence, can be swayed by the allure of power. The Bible speaks about this in Proverbs 23:1-2: "When you sit to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite." One of the hardest things is to put a restraint on yourself when you stand before influential people because your appetite can drive your decisions.
Daniel refused to be corrupted by the meal on the King's table. If God calls you to speak to people of influence, will you stand firm in your beliefs and resist the temptations of the King's table? One of the most challenging aspects of being a man of God is the discipline required not to be swayed by the luxuries that come with power. Many have been corrupted because they failed to discipline themselves.
We need prophets like Micah, who stood for the truth even when it was difficult. The king said, "I do not like Micah because he never speaks what I want to hear." Today, many people ask, "Where are the Micahs?" because they long for prophets who stand for truth and correct those who walk in unrighteousness.
Proverbs also tells us, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice." When God sends you to connect with and speak to kings, His desire is for you to help them become righteous leaders so that the people can rejoice. A king who fears and knows God is driven by a desire to see God's word fulfilled for their nation.
Leadership carries a great weight, and it is easy to judge a leader when you're not the one in charge. But as men of God, when given the opportunity to stand before kings, let us not be like Ahab's 400 prophets who were given to the desires of their flesh. Let us be like Micah, because God wants to raise godly kings in our generation—kings who not only fear but also know God. When a righteous king sits on the throne, the people rejoice.
Our prayer in this season should be: "God, make our kings righteous so that we can rejoice as a nation." One of the most beautiful things is to have a king who fears God, knows God, and allows men of God to congregate around him. Such a nation has room for God's blessing. But it would be of no value if the kings and priests meet, only for the priests to be corrupted by the food on the King's table.
It is time to stand in prayer and pray for our leaders, that they walk in righteousness so that the people may rejoice. Whatever nation you are reading this from, pray that God raises and makes your leaders men of righteousness so that the people of the land may rejoice. God bless you.
