What can we learn about obedience from the man of God's response? Setting the Moment Jeroboam’s hand has just been miraculously restored. Grateful—and hoping to win favor—the king invites the visiting prophet to dinner and promises a reward (1 Kings 13:7). The man of God answers: “Even if you were to give me half your house, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” (1 Kings 13:8-9) An Unyielding Answer His response is immediate, clear, and immovable. No negotiation, no delay, no curiosity. He simply obeys. Key Insights on Obedience • Rooted in God’s Word – He obeys because “I was commanded by the word of the LORD.” Obedience begins with hearing and trusting God’s clear instruction (Deuteronomy 5:32-33). • Unaffected by Incentive – “Half your house” cannot sway him. True obedience is not for sale (Proverbs 23:23). • Immediate and Complete – He answers on the spot, not after pondering alternatives. Delayed obedience is disobedience (Psalm 119:60). • Counter-Cultural Courage – Refusing royal hospitality in that culture risked offense and danger. He fears God more than man (Acts 5:29). • Guarded Boundaries – God’s command included specifics: eat nothing, drink nothing, take a different road. He honors every detail (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Focused Purpose – He keeps the mission central; blessings or comfort are secondary (2 Timothy 2:4). Wider Biblical Echoes • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Saul loses the kingdom for partial obedience; the prophet models wholehearted obedience. • Daniel 1:8 – Daniel “determined that he would not defile himself” with royal food, paralleling the man of God’s refusal. • Matthew 4:10 – Jesus rejects Satan’s offer of kingdoms, choosing obedience to the Father. • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Love and obedience are inseparable. • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” The man of God embodies this. Lessons for Today • Know the command—immerse yourself in Scripture so the path is unmistakable. • Decide ahead of testing—settle in your heart that no reward or relationship outranks God’s will. • Respond promptly—when the Spirit prompts, act before alternative voices grow louder. • Honor every detail—small compromises erode integrity. • Expect pressure—culture, friends, or authority may entice, but God’s approval outweighs all. The Sobering Aftermath Later in the chapter, the same prophet compromises when deceived by an older prophet and suffers deadly consequences (1 Kings 13:11-24). His bright beginning and tragic end together underscore the lesson: obedience must be steadfast from start to finish. |
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