1 Kings 13:18

New King James Version

He said to him, “I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’ ” (He was lying to him.)

For Meditation

His mission was very clear. Go to Bethel and prophesy against the vile altar. He faithfully went to Jeroboam’s unfaithful northern kingdom and obeyed God.

The man of God from Judah cried out against the altar while Jeroboam stood to offer incense.

“O altar, altar! Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you (1 Kings 13:2).’”

He gave a sign that the altar would split apart and the ashes on it would pour out (3). The king’s outstretched hand against the prophet withered as he pointed at him and ordered his arrest, and the altar split apart, pouring out its ashes. When God restored the king’s hand, he invited the prophet from Judah to dine with him (4-6). Despite the king’s invitation, the man of God, in obedience to God’s word, declined and left for Judah.

Why then did the man of God later disobey God’s command and go to dine in another man’s house (11-19)? Was it because he was too hungry and fainting under the oak tree, or because the invitation came from an old prophet? Did the mention of the angel convince him against what He had heard from God, or was it because of the claim of the old prophet that God had sent him? Where was his spiritual sensitivity and discernment? How about us today?

As Peter wrote, the devil is enraged, pacing and roaring like a lion, hunting for someone to destroy, but we must stand firm against him (1 Peter 5:8-9). Discernment, vigilance, and unwavering obedience to God’s word are essential for believers to avoid deception (1 John 4:1).

A bitter envy gnawed at the old prophet’s heart. He was there in Bethel and could use that recognition the young prophet received. Why not deceive him to dine at his house [c.f. Gal. 1:9]—an act against his public declaration, casting a shadow over his ministry?

“I too am a prophet,” the old prophet lied to the man of God from Judah. Does it ring a bell? How about the modern version, “we are all Christians” or “we all read the same Bible”? Run when you hear that! Beware when a so-called prophet brings you a message purported to be from God through an angel (Heb 1:1-2). Verify its authenticity through the written word before you give yourself to it (Acts 17:11).

There are consequences for our carelessness, which leads to disobedience. The same old prophet who deceived the young prophet from Judah brought God’s condemnation at the dinner table (1 Kings 13:20-22), and it happened as God said (23-25). 

Maintain spiritual sensitivity. Discern and keep the integrity of God’s word He has spoken to you in the Holy Bible. As Paul said, “if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:9). 

Shalom

Pray with Me

Father, please help us understand that your word supersedes every message from any man, regardless of how closely related, how powerful they are, or how spiritually acclaimed. Fill us with your Spirit every day, that we will stay alert and discern when the deception comes near us. We pray this in the glorious name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, to whom all glory and adoration belong. Amen!

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