Today’s passage: 1 Kings 13:11-34
Helpful thoughts:
- The fact that this old prophet was living in Bethel (The center of this new false worship) and had been living well without any struggle with the locals or with King Jeroboam should itself have served as a bad sign.
- Since the old prophet’s sons were at the altar and saw the whole exchange between the man of God and King Jeroboam, it is safe to assume the family was involved in the wicked sacrifices. Perhaps they had even been appointed priests.
- The old prophet was either purposefully deceiving the people of Israel, or he was testing the man of God in his own way to see if the Lord had truly sent him…maybe both?
- God’s revealed word never contradicts itself. God’s will never contradicts His word.
- A donkey does not stand next to a lion. They run. A lion does not stand next to a corpse or a donkey. They kill and eat. This was a supernatural sight, given to prove God’s sovereign judgment.
- The animals were the only obedient participants in this account.
Questions to consider:
- Is everyone who claims to be a pastor, preacher, servant of God, really someone we should be listening to? (Matthew 7:15-20) How else could we know for sure? (Acts 17:11)
- In the end, what did the old prophet conclude? What was the result of his conclusion? Did it change anything? What does verse 33 indicate the people wanted to do?
- What does God rightfully expect people to do in response to His word and commands? Does God turn a blind eye or minimize sin? How does the cross prove this to be true? How is God’s mercy tied to His justice?