Read 1 Kings 12
Highlights:
Rehoboam follows advice of foolish friends. Selfish ambition in Jeroboam and Rehoboam. The nation splits into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. Consequences of not obeying the Commands of God (1 Kin. 13:11-32).
He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him (1 Kings 13:18).
There are two men in this verse that are both called prophets. Neither of these men represent that office as God would have them. Both men end up falling into sin.
The one delivered his message to Jeroboam. He stood his ground there when he was enticed to go back to the king's house to eat and drink. He then allowed himself to be completely deceived by the man referred to as the old prophet.
The old prophet lies to the first man. He tells him an angel delivered a message from God. He did this to get the first man to return to his home.
For no reason at all, the two men get themselves tangled in a web of disobedience and lies. As always, sin is a dangerous place to be trapped. It ends here with not only the first man's life being over but his ministry to God abruptly ends as he is killed by a lion.
There are lessons to be learned in life from what transpired here. This is a sad tale as a man of God allowed himself to be so easily deceived. He had heard God's voice! God commanded him exactly how to conduct himself after he delivered his message to Jeroboam. All he had to do was follow God's instructions and not anyone else's. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
The old prophet was perhaps at one time or another more concerned with godly things than his own curiosity. If this was true, he knew his deception could cause this first man to disobey God. He would have known this would be a costly error. Whether out of ignorance, malice or indifference, the old prophet became the false prophet. The Word of God is very vocal on this subject. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15).
The old prophet did a great wrong in the lies he told. These lies cost a man his life. It might seem that this might be a greater sin than that of the first man. All he did was fall victim to lies. But his death proves his sin is far greater than that.
God had given this man a very specific mission. He had exact directions. The old prophet lied, but this man believed him more than God. He didn't say let me pray first and ask God. In actuality by not following what God had commanded him he chose to believe a lie and disobey God.
When God speaks to our hearts, let us follow his commands. His Word can be our guide. God will never contradict the Bible. Don't let a deceiving spirit compromise a life living for God.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).
Thought for Today:
Regret can never undo years spent living for sin and selfish pleasure.
Christ Revealed:
Through Shemaiah who spoke for the Lord (1 Kin. 12:22). Jesus spoke only what the Father told Him: I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a Commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak (John 12:49).
Word Studies:
12:14 scorpions, scourges with sharp points; 12:32 high places, pagan shrines; 13:6 Intreat, Plead in prayer; 13:32 cried, shouted, declared.
Prayer Suggestion: Husbands, give honor to your wives, or else your prayers will be obstructed (1 Pet. 3:7).
Optional Reading: Acts 27
Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:34