What lessons can we learn about obedience from the prophet's burial request? The story in brief • Jeroboam builds an idolatrous altar at Bethel (1 Kings 12:28–33). • A “man of God from Judah” prophesies judgment against that altar (1 Kings 13:1–3). • An old prophet from Bethel deceives him into eating contrary to God’s direct command (1 Kings 13:14–19). • The man of God dies for that disobedience (1 Kings 13:24). • The old prophet buries him and declares, “When I die, bury me in the grave where the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones” (1 Kings 13:31). Why ask to share a grave? • Public confession—he admits the younger prophet carried the true word of the LORD. • Permanent identification—he wants to be remembered on the side of God’s warning, not Jeroboam’s rebellion. • Future witness—generations later Josiah leaves both sets of bones untouched, validating the prophecy (2 Kings 23:17-18). Lessons on obedience 1. Obedience to God’s word outlives us – The man of God’s bones and the old prophet’s request both pointed to judgment fulfilled 300 years later (2 Kings 23:15-18). – Our choices echo beyond this life: “By faith he still speaks, even though he is dead” (Hebrews 11:4). 2. Partial obedience is still disobedience – One faithful journey and one forbidden meal ended fatally (1 Kings 13:26). – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). – God desires full compliance, not halfway homage (1 Samuel 15:22). 3. Repentance aligns us with God’s truth – The old prophet cannot undo his deception, yet he publicly aligns with the judgment he once blurred. – Burial beside the man of God says, “I was wrong; God was right.” – True repentance welcomes whatever reminds others of God’s word—even our own tombstone. 4. Honor God’s messengers, even when they expose us – The old prophet honors the very man whose obedience he compromised. – We, too, honor Scripture’s warnings by submitting to them, not silencing them (2 Titus 3:16-17). 5. Teach obedience to the next generation – He speaks to his sons: “When I die…” (1 Kings 13:31). – Passing down a physical reminder reinforces a spiritual lesson. – Our family decisions can impress obedience on hearts long after we’re gone (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Taking it to heart • Let our final wishes testify to unwavering loyalty to God’s word. • Treat every command of Scripture as non-negotiable, even when others entice us otherwise. • Champion repentance and humility; they keep us aligned with truth after failure. |
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