There is an important message in this story. God gave a direct word to the man He sent to Bethel, not to eat or drink in that town. The first challenge to his orders was from the King, when he asked the man of God to come back to eat and drink with him in his house - (after he prayed for his hand to be restored). The man of God didn't budge. However, when an old prophet heard of the man of God, he went to him and challenged him by saying that he too was a prophet, and an ‘angel’ told him to bring him back to eat and drink with him, (v18). It was a lie.
Why did the old prophet lie to him? Did God send the old prophet to him in order to test him? It reminded me of the serpent tempting Eve saying, “Did God really say…” Has this little question ever crossed your mind? It can sow seeds of doubt and confusion in our minds. We may even begin to wonder if we heard right, or if God had changed His mind.
If the Lord speaks something to us, no matter who comes to challenge the word that was spoken, we need to obey what God has said. It doesn’t matter how well respected or spiritual the person is, we need to stay true to what God has spoken to us, otherwise we suffer the consequences.
There will be temptation to go along with what another might say. Their talk and reasoning sounds so good. But beware! We must remember what God has spoken to us and be found faithful and true, obedient to God alone.
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