Obediently did he go forth, did exactly what he was set to do, with the instructions of what not to do, did he also obey.
Yet, came another man of God, well a prophet! and told him otherwise, with deception did he bring the man of God astray, then at the moment when the man of God disobey, did the prophet start being as a prophet, and rebuked the man, telling him of his fate.
So off he went after breaking the rule, and on the way met with a lion, that killed but not consume.
Who is this man of God you say? Even I do not know, I only know he was from Judah. You can read the story of this Man of God in 1 Kings 13.
When I read this story I had 3 main take aways.
1. The Man of God really was a Man of God, when he set out to do what he was told to do, even the sign he spoke of happened! Even the healing of the hand of King Jeraboam did he perform. He was obedient to the Lord with the instructions that was set with him, a simple one. Not to eat or drink or return the same way he came.
It's amazing what happens when you follow God, this man of God was definitely one who had God with him. And when you obey you will see the things of God come to pass.
2. Even a man of God can be deceived by reputable prophet.
Following everything the man knew, and had done, here came an old prophet, lied to him in his face saying that God spoke to him and made the man of God walk in disobedience. Now when a reputable prophet, or any one in that matter of fact comes to you, and says something country to what God has already spoken to you. TEST this spirit, or TEST the word that has been spoken. It's easy to look at credentials and say, oh look, this man is a holy man, surely what he says is the truth. But here's the truth, not everything you hear from others that stand contrary of what God has already said is true, is of God. False prophets, well intending ones who think they are right too, can sway you in the wrong direction. Seek out God for advice, and TEST the word of the so called prophet!
This is not something unknown at least to us, John has warned this before:
"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." - 1 John 4:1 (or Jacob depending if you use English or another language).
How about Jesus?:
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25See, I have told you beforehand. 26So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.28Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
- Matthew 24:23-28
I used to think what is meant by Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. It has just come to me, Jesus is speaking of the dead.(something like when he said let the dead bury the dead). Anyway this is just a side note/revelation
Any way, there's ample of warning in the new testament about false prophets. So if you want to know more, just read the bible, it's all there!
But it's good to note, that the man of God was deceived (just like Joshua with the Gibeonites). Though the man of God started well, due to his disobedience, he ended up dead.
3. When God calls you out on your fault. REPENT!
Now this is not exactly how it went, and they do not say if the man of God repented or not, but looking at the text in verse 23, it seems like he just ate and left. If you know you are in the wrong, just repent, and the Lord will surely heal you. What surprises me in this sense is the man of God actually saw how a wicked man like Jeroboam, was healed of his withered hand when he simply asked for forgiveness through the man of God. Surely the Man of God could have done the same. We have seen many times in the old testament, of how God showed mercy when one repents with a true repentance. Yet even so this Man of God went on his way back to his town knowing the prophet said you won't make it. So again, there's no consultation of God, or repentance(normally you see them tear their clothes and put ash on their heads in deep repentance to God in the past), this did not happen. Instead he walked into his death as the prophet has prophesied. And died in his disobedience.
Friends, brothers, sisters, let us not be of a stubborn heart, if we know we have done wrong by the Lord, ask for forgiveness, for we know our God is a God of mercy, and will forgive us. In fact it's written.
"8If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts." - 1 John 1:8-10
Now be alert! For the enemy is not clothed in bright colours that you may be warned, nor is he one that is lazy and not active. But he seeks to kill, destroy,and steal. But in Christ may you find life and life more abundantly. Stay on the narrow path!
NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAY, GO BACK TO THE WORD, GO BACK TO GOD, AND HEAR FROM HIM!