Before you chase your dreams, the pastor asks: have you checked with God first?
The episode is a sermon from the series 'Life of a Prophet, part two,' focusing on the life of Elisha. The speaker reads 2 Kings 3:1-12, detailing how King Jehoram of Israel allies with King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom to attack Moab after it rebels. They take a circuitous route through the wilderness, running out of water after seven days, leading to desperation. The speaker titles the sermon 'Check with God First,' noting its simplicity but relevance to listeners' goals and aspirations. He uses analogies like MapQuest and getting lost without gas to illustrate the kings' predicament. Background is given on King Ahab, Jezebel, and the tribute of 100,000 lambs and rams from Moab. The alliance between Jehoram (who did evil) and Jehoshaphat (who followed God) is highlighted as unusual. In verse 11, Jehoshaphat asks if there is a prophet to inquire of the Lord, leading them to Elisha. Elisha's response in verses 13-14 is harsh, telling the king of Israel to go to his parents' prophets, but he agrees to help because of Jehoshaphat. Elisha calls for a minstrel, and when worship happens, God speaks through him, promising water and victory over Moab. Verse 18 notes this is 'an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord.' The speaker discusses how God uses failure to remind us to check with Him, as the kings only sought God after their plan failed. He also mentions the need for humility, as the kings went to Elisha instead of summoning him. The importance of 'Jehoshaphat voices'—godly friends who ask if you've checked with God—is emphasized, with a reference to 1 Kings 22 where Ahab hates the prophet Micaiah for not prophesying good. The speaker contrasts the ancient need for prophets with modern access to God through Jesus, who is prophet, king, and high priest. He cites Ephesians 2:13 about being brought near by Christ's blood. The sermon concludes with Jesus' prayer in Luke 22:42, 'not my will, but yours be done,' and a call to prayer for those needing to check with God, whether for salvation or specific decisions.
