How should believers respond when witnessing God's judgment, as seen in 1 Kings 13:25? The Scene That Stops Us in Our Tracks “Some men passed by and saw the body thrown in the road, with the lion standing beside it, and they went and told the matter in the city where the old prophet lived.” (1 Kings 13:25) Immediate Takeaways • God’s judgment is unmistakable—no one could confuse this scene for coincidence. • It is public—passers-by see it and are compelled to speak of it. • It confirms God’s word—the prophet had declared consequences, and they unfolded exactly. Right-Now Heart Responses • Holy fear: “My flesh trembles for fear of You; I stand in awe of Your judgments.” (Psalm 119:120) • Humility: recognize that judgment begins with God’s people (1 Peter 4:17). • Sobriety: learn from warnings given for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:11-12). Practical Steps When We Witness Judgment • Examine ourselves – Search for hidden compromise (Psalm 139:23-24). – Repent quickly; delayed obedience is disobedience (Luke 13:3). • Renew obedience – Keep God’s commands precisely; partial obedience cost the man of God his life (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Reinforce reverence in community – Share the sober facts, as the bystanders did, so others may fear (Acts 5:11). – Warn compassionately: “save others, snatching them from the fire” (Jude 1:23). • Trust God’s justice – He judges righteously; His actions are never arbitrary (Genesis 18:25). – Judgment today foreshadows a final accounting (Hebrews 9:27). Living With Constant Awareness • Walk circumspectly, “making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) • Cultivate gratitude for mercy; every spared moment is opportunity for faithful service (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Stay alert, staying in the Word that “is living and active… judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Witnessing divine judgment is not merely a shocking event; it is a summons to reverent fear, swift repentance, deeper obedience, and faithful testimony. |
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