1 Kings 13:1-2 By the word of the LORD a man of God came from Judah to Bethel….By the word of the LORD he cried out against the alter….
This unnamed prophet was on a mission from God. He delivered his message and declined the king’s invitation to eat because God had given him very specific instructions. Later, an old prophet lied to him saying an angel had appeared to him saying the prophet should come to his house and eat bread and drink water. The unnamed prophet’s instructions hadn’t changed, so why did his answer? His choice to accept led to his death.
1 Kings 13:8-9 But the man of God answered the king, “Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you…For I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’”
When the old prophet came upon the unnamed prophet, the unnamed prophet was sitting under a tree, probably tired, probably hungry. His human fallibility was definitely closer to the surface because of these human needs. His mission hadn’t changed. His instructions hadn’t changed. But his resolve was slipping because of his humanity, so when he heard a plausible excuse, “an angel appeared to me and said…,” he took it. Jesus, help me!
1 Kings 13:18 The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet…And an angel said to me by word of the LORD: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water’.” (But he was lying to him.)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for those times when You clearly tell me what You would have me to do. Be with me, even in my humanity, and help me to stay strong in Your will always. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Kings 13:19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.