What lessons can we learn about obedience from the old prophet's actions? The Setting: A Puzzling Turn in Bethel 1 Kings 13:12: “Their father asked them, ‘Which way did he go?’ For his sons had seen which road the man of God from Judah had taken.” • The “old prophet” of Bethel hears about a younger “man of God” who has just delivered a hard word to King Jeroboam. • God had expressly commanded the younger prophet not to eat, drink, or return by the same way (1 Kings 13:9). • The old prophet tracks him down, lies about receiving an angelic message, and persuades him to break God’s command (vv. 18-19). Lesson 1: God’s Word Remains Supreme—No Exceptions • Deuteronomy 13:1-4 calls Israel to reject any prophetic voice that contradicts God’s revealed word—even if accompanied by signs. • Galatians 1:8 echoes the same principle: “Even if we… preach a gospel contrary… let him be accursed.” • Obedience means we never negotiate God’s commands, even when the challenge comes from respected, “seasoned” believers. Lesson 2: Spiritual Age Does Not Equal Spiritual Accuracy • The old prophet had years of experience yet still lied (1 Kings 13:18). • 1 Corinthians 10:12: “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • Maturity should produce humility, not presumption. We guard against assuming past service guarantees present faithfulness. Lesson 3: Test Every Spirit, Even Friendly Ones • 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • The younger prophet accepted the old man’s story without seeking confirmation from the Lord who had just spoken to him directly. • Discernment safeguards obedience; credulity invites disaster. Lesson 4: Partial Obedience Equals Disobedience • The younger prophet obeyed in confronting Jeroboam but failed in refusing hospitality. • James 2:10: “Whoever keeps the whole law, yet stumbles at just one point, is guilty of all.” • God’s commands are not cafeteria choices; selective compliance leads to judgment, as shown by the lion that killed the disobedient prophet (v. 24). Lesson 5: Disobedience Always Has Collateral Damage • The old prophet’s lie cost a righteous man his life and burdened Bethel with grief. • Romans 14:7: “None of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone.” • Our lapses can wound others spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. Lesson 6: Sorrow Is No Substitute for Repentance • After the tragedy, the old prophet mourned, buried the man, and instructed his sons to bury him beside the victim (vv. 29-32). • While grief is natural, Scripture never records the old prophet confessing his deception. • 2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes “godly sorrow” that leads to repentance from mere remorse. Genuine obedience requires turning from sin, not just feeling bad about it. Bringing It Home: Walking in Wholehearted Obedience • Anchor every decision to Scripture; let clear commands overrule persuasive personalities. • Cultivate a humble, teachable heart—no one graduates from needing vigilance. • Practice spiritual discernment through prayer, Scripture saturation, and wise counsel. • Obey promptly and fully; delayed or partial obedience risks discipline. • Remember that your choices ripple outward—obedience blesses, disobedience wounds. Luke 11:28: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” |
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