Middleman Mistake

But the man of God answered the king, 'Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water here. For I was commanded by the word of the Lord: 'You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.'" ~1Kings13

This story is a huge warning to me. This man of God was told to go to the king who was worshiping at the altar of an idol and prophecy it's demise. The altar is split in two, the king gets his shriveled hand restored and the man of God refuses his offer of food, water and a gift. He recognizes the temptation and stands firm in his conviction. The warning comes from what happens to him when he is tempted the second time by an old prophet that saddles up his donkey and chases after him.

The man of God again quotes the words of the Lord to refuse the offer by the prophet to go back and eat and drink with him. It's then that this old guy lies to him and tells him that he too is a prophet, just like him, and an angel told him to chase him down and bring him back for dinner. The man of God believes him and goes back with him and defies the simple commands. It's the old prophet that is told to prophecy concerning his judgement. He had defied the words of the Lord and would die.

The man of God was killed by a lion and his body left on the side of the road shortly after leaving the company of the prophet. The lion didn't eat it or maul the donkey but just stood there until the old prophet got there and retrieved them.  He was buried in Bethel as a witness to the people worshipping at the idol's altar. His tomb became a reminder of the truth behind the words he had spoken. I can't imagine the guilt that old fellow had to live with but it's the man of God's choice to listen to him that sticks out as the glaring warning.

God never goes back on His word. When someone has a word from the Lord that is intended for another, I'm immediately suspicious if there is no scripture references. I question thier motives. Especially, if it's in direct conflict with what I've been told by the Lord or read in the bible. If angels are talking to them, everything they say becomes suspect! God speaks directly through His word and by His Spirit. The only middleman anyone needs is Jesus and the invitation to meet Him is offered to everyone. 

"It is written; 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" ~Jesus