1 Kings 13

This chapter tells us about the young and the old prophet. The young prophet went to deliver a message from God to Jeroboam. When he was done, the King offered him some refreshments and reward, but he declined in vs 8 because God gave him a clear instruction not to eat, drink or return by the way he came

Vs 15-18: “An older prophet lied to the young prophet to come over to His house for some refreshments, told him an Angel told me to bring you back to my place so that you may eat bread and drink water.” Hearing this, the young prophet went home to eat with the old prophet.

Remember, God gave the young prophet a direct instruction but someone else came to him and convinced him to do something different. As a result, in Vs 20: while they were sitting at the table, the word of the Lord came through the same old prophet to the young saying “you have defiled the word of the Lord and have not kept the command God gave you. You came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where he told you not to eat or drink. Therefore, your body will not be buried in the tomb of your ancestors.” That was his “oh, no!” moment. Unfortunately, the younger prophet got killed by a Lion and the same old prophet buried him.

I found this scary because the old prophet lied, convinced him to do something else, yet they did not share the repercussion.

As Christians, we need to know that if God gives an instruction, He will not send another to tell you otherwise. He is not an author of confusion or a gossip. The young prophet’s quick acceptance of the old prophet’s words was simply credulity at its finest, an act that cost the young prophet his life.

The old prophet today can represent a member or leader in church, a person/post on social media, which is why you should not accept everything you see, hear, or read. Additionally, not every “thus saith the Lord” is from the Lord. Some are personal ideologies that have resulted in drastic outcomes and, now more than ever, there is too much information out there. We really need God to help us navigate the complexities in life. God is always available if we seek Him; He is waiting for your call. Find Him for yourself and hold on to His word without looking sideways.

I will conclude with this scripture from 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 NLT

 [9] “My son/daughter, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. [10] So take this seriously. The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”