“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 13:15-19 NIV
“When the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the prophet who had brought him back saddled his donkey for him. 24 As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying on the road, with both the donkey and the lion standing beside it.” 1 Kings 13:23-24 NIV
Father God,
The man of God had just delivered Your message to King Jeroboam and seen what he spoke about happen – King Jeroboam was struck with leprosy on His hand, then healed by prayer and the altar was split in two! Because they had sinned.
He didn’t eat with the King at his invitation and yet later took up the offer of a humble prophet. I have often wondered why this story is in the Bible? It is quite stark and gruesome. But then Your people had turned away from worshipping You and were flouting Your Laws. Was this prophet disillusioned. Was he now not really a good man or prophet? Or were You testing the man of God?
I may never have to perform such an important and dangerous task as challenging a king, but it has made me think. If in doubt, leave it out is an old saying that comes to mind. If he had just stuck to Your directions and gone home by another route (reminds me of the three wise men visiting baby Jesus!) he would have lived. But the lion standing by the donkey, the body untouched, surely showed the old lying prophet the consequence and cost of his lie!
Consequences. So keep us speaking the truth. Keep us questioning, even if good people give advice, if it is Your will. Thank You, Holy Spirit that You give us that peace when things and decisions are right.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Our Father,
We pray:
For family, friends, neighbours, our church family. Those living in our neighbourhood.
For our town, our local council and the prosperity of the surrounding area.
For Gaza and an end to killing.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine.
For help, relief and comfort for those hit by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for the devastated areas in Libya and Morocco. For all the aid and medical agencies.
That all those who seek to deceive would be uncovered. Scams exposed. Crimes prevented.
For our day and week, smooth paths and smiles.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 16th October 2023
An old hymn and I couldn’t find the music. So today is a silent worship.
Be the matter what it may,
Always speak the truth;
Whether at your work or play,
Always speak the truth.
Never from this rule depart,
Grave it deeply on your heart,
Written ‘tis upon your chart:
Always speak the truth.
There’s a charm in verity,
Always speak the truth;
But there’s meanness in a lie,
Always speak the truth.
He is but a coward slave,
Who, a present pain to waive,
Stoops to falsehood; then, be brave;
Always speak the truth.
Falsehood seldom stands alone,
Always speak the truth;
One begets another one,
Always speak the truth;
Falsehood all the soul degrades,
Stains with sin and ever breeds
Evil thought and darker deeds,
Always speak the truth.
Lyrics: Alfred Arthur Graley