THE “OLD PROPHET”
1 Kings 13:18 – But the old prophet answered, “I am a prophet, too, just as you are. And an angel gave me this command from the Lord: ‘Bring him home with you so he can have something to eat and drink.’” But the old man was lying to him. (NLT)
Read: 1 Kings 13:11-25
Today’s Scripture focus reveals a pathetic story. God told a young prophet on a mission to Bethel not to eat, drink, or return the way he came. When an old prophet heard of the man’s exploit, he approached him and claimed an angel had instructed that the young man dine in his house. The man believed and went to the old prophet’s place to eat bread and drink water. Subsequently, the Lord revealed through the same prophet that the man of God would die for defying His instructions. On his way home, a lion devoured the young prophet.
There are important lessons to be learned from this story. The young prophet had served his duty in Bethel and was heading home when he met the senior prophet who derailed him from totally fulfilling God’s directives. In life, events may arise after a perceived accomplishment, requiring that you make critical decisions at strategic moments. However, the priority must be to remain committed to God’s plan until the very end.
The old prophet’s status and claim that an angel gave him a word played a key role in deceiving the man of God, leading him to disregard the personal instructions he received from the Lord. Every child of God must be able to hear and discern God’s voice (Isaiah 30:21). More so, you should ignore any command that does not align with the Bible and divine guidance for your circumstance, regardless of who gives it.
There are so-called prophets and deceptive ministers of God everywhere. These wolves in sheep’s clothing are agents of darkness whose aim is to gain popularity, acquire wealth, and mislead God’s people, including their gullible mentees and young ministers in the body of Christ. Therefore, in the Christian journey, God (Holy Spirit) and the fruits, not the title or experience in ministry, determine a prophet or minister’s authenticity (Matthew 7:16-20). Beloved, as a minister, pastor, or prophet, make God your priority. Follow His dictates and not the worship or preferences of men. As a follower of Christ, may the Lord Almighty continually open your eyes and give you deeper understanding, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
PRAYER
Hymn: More About Jesus – Eliza. E Hewitt (1887)
1. Holy Spirit, empower me to see and hear clearly from the Father.
2. Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to obey Your instructions to the very end.
3. Father, expose and disgrace every false prophet around my life and in the land.
(MIDNIGHT PRAYER)
1. Spend quality time praying in the Holy Ghost.
LIGHT HAS COME!
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