The Man of God from Judah

A friend of mine once shared something that happened in her life! She is a Godly person and was living her life listening to God's voice. Someone who claimed to have a prophetic word regarding her future had told her that God was calling her to full-time ministry. My friend had the presence of mind to say that if that is what God had ordained for her, He would directly tell her! God never contradicts Himself!

A man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the direction of God (1Kings 13:1-26) to prophesy against king Jeroboam. God gave clear instructions to this man of God about what he has to say and how he must conduct himself. God told him not to accept hospitality, and to return by a different route! When the king invited this man of God from Judah to his home, he refused the king and started on the return journey by another way, just as God instructed him. Now an old prophet who dwelt in Bethel, lied to this man of God from Judah saying that God asked him to invite him home to eat bread. While the man of God from Judah refused king Jeroboam, he gladly went back with this old prophet because he claimed to be a prophet and claimed to have a word from God! And the man of God from Judah met with a sad end!

God speaks to us in different ways. When we are at crossroads, we strain to hear God's voice. Sometimes we are confused about God's direction, and in such situations, confirmation to what God has been speaking to us may come from other children of God, or through a song or some verses or from our regular quiet time. God will not confuse us by giving opposite directions! Sometimes when we are living in sin, our conscience will be dulled by the pleasures of sin. At such times, God may send His warning through someone to confront us just like He sent Nathan to David! This man of God from Judah had a specific Word from God with a particular instruction. The confirmation of his prophecy also happened that day itself. Then he should have boldly refused that old prophet!

My friend, God never contradicts Himself in His dealings with us. Let us be faithful to His commands, refusing to be deflected from God's direction, even if the person claims to be a prophet of God.

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 7th April 2020 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 8th April 2020

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