“And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the Lord, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. 2 Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord, and said, “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.’ ” 3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign which the Lord has spoken: Surely the altar shall split apart, and the ashes on it shall be poured out.” 4 So it came to pass when King Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, who cried out against the altar in Bethel, that he stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, “Arrest him!” Then his hand, which he stretched out toward him, withered, so that he could not pull it back to himself. 5 The altar also was split apart, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. 6 Then the king answered and said to the man of God, “Please entreat the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” So the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him, and became as before.” 1 Kings 13:1-10 NKJV
El Roi, God who sees (Genesis 16:13),
Sometimes it may appear that You are overlooking sin or allowing it. But You are the God who sees. We cannot see the whole picture of past present and future and Your plans as You do. But in this passage we see that You are very aware of Jeroboams deceptive idolatrous altar. You sent one of Your men. We do not know his name only that he is willing, obedient and brave.
He calls out that the altar will be desecrated by God and he stood fast though in danger of arrest, possibly death? And You proved his words by splitting the alter in two. You showed judgement on Jeroboam and then Your great mercy on sinners by healing him.
In a world where we are surrounded by idolatry, this event reminds us that You do see and deal with leaders in Your time. You do not leave them without a witness, because You are a merciful God and Your judgement is true. We too may be unknown but sometimes one voice is all it takes to speak the truth where it will make a difference. And we are reminded that You raise up Your men to leadership places where they can speak and be heard. We need them in this day and age, Lord.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen..
Worship Thursday 21st May 2026
All over the world the Spirit is moving
All over the world as the prophets said it would be
All over the world there’s a mighty revelation
Of the glory of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea
All over His church God’s Spirit is moving
All over His church as the prophets said it would be
All over His church there’s a mighty revelation
Of the glory of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea
Right here in this place the Spirit is moving
Right here in this place as the prophets said it would be
Right here in this place there’s a mighty revelation
Of the glory of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea
Lyrics: Tim J Spencer & Steve Vent