“Now there was a certain old prophet living in Bethel, whose sons came and told him all that the man of God had done there that day. They also told their father what he had said to the king. 12 Their father asked them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him which road the man of God from Judah had taken. 13 So he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And when they had saddled the donkey for him, he mounted it 14 and rode after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?”
“I am,” he replied. 15 So the prophet said to him, “Come home with me and eat.” 16 The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” 18 The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the 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.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.” 1 Kings 13: 11-19
Lord God,
I always feel sad when I read this story and sorry for the man of God who stood bravely and spoke Your judgement before Jeroboam. Then he ends up being tricked by one of Your people and just after this killed by a lion. The donkey he was riding was not harmed and the lion did not take him as prey! It seems harsh?
But perhaps I do not like to see You as the Father who disciplines and expects us to obey completely when You asks us to do or not do something. It is a wise warning not to let even the faithful and well meaning distract us. It was not the bread and water that took his life but not going straight home as You told him to. And I wonder at the lying prophet. Did You bring this about? He certainly mourned and even gave the man of God his own burial tomb.
Help us to know when You are speaking and stick to what You ask us to do or not do. It is not always as clear to us. But perhaps that is no excuse for when we do know. And when others are fasting or seeking to do Your will, help us to encourage them and not try to dissuade.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Worship Sunday 15th June 2025
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
Word of God speak
Would you pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That you’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In your holiness
Word of God speak
I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
Chorus twice
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
Lyrics: Bart Millard, Pete Kipley, Peter C. Kipley (MercyMe).