Basketball legend Michael Jordan appeared in an advertisement for sports drink Gatorade with the admonition to mirror this great one’s beverage choice–‘Be Like Mike!’ Rubbing shoulders with such a celebrity likely attracted many thirsty wannabes to become followers and buyers.

Reading 2 Chronicles 18, we hear about two kings in ancient Israel who made an alliance to fight their common enemy. Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat consult their religious advisors for divine prophecy about military success against their adversary, Syria. King Ahab, from the northern kingdom of Samaria, consults four hundred of his prophets who worship Baal and Asherah, and other false gods.

Jehoshaphat, king of southern Judah, sounds an uncomfortable note, wondering if there isn’t one prophet of Yahweh in their midst. Shouldn’t we consult our one God, he pleads?

So, who should they call upon? Surprisingly, one of Yahweh’s prophets comes into Ahab’s mind. Who? Micaiah. But first, Ahab’s hundreds of prophets chime in with glowing reports of victory after victory, crushing those nasty bad guys (check out verses 5-11). Then enters Micaiah, all by his lonesome.

But, in the wings, before entering center stage, some highfalutin’ court official tips off Micaiah with this warning–‘Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably’ (2 Chr. 18: 12). Watch out, Micaiah, you’d better tell our crowned head what he wants to hear. Blend in. Be one of the crowd. Don’t stand out like a sore thumb. Be sure not to rock the boat. Sit down, Micaiah, and watch your mouth!

What should he do? Flatter this superstar monarch? Soft soap him into overconfidence? Tickle a few ears in the process? How about it? It’s tempting to save your own skin. No way. Not for this prophet of the true God. So, be like Micaiah–‘…As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak (2 Chr. 18: 13).

Really? Stand with God and what He says? No more of that silly business of ‘if you can’t fight ’em, join ’em’? Go fifty-fifty? No, don’t compromise with what you know isn’t from the Bible. Get up and stand your ground. Actually, find your footing on God’s ground. A more stable place you’ll never find.

Win the popularity contest in this life? I wish. Might as well accept that you’ll be grumbled against, told to take a hike, and face troubles you’ve never dreamed of. But know that in the end, you’ve stood with Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. Wouldn’t that be the very best? Safe and secure for all alarms, as the old hymn promises? Hands down, for sure.

So, be like your Master!

Lord Jesus, give me strength and courage to be more like you. Amen.