Nougat 22

Are you familiar with the phrase, ’Haters gonna hate’? I’m not entirely sure if that’s the case in today’s Holy Nougat, but you decide.

“But the old prophet answered, “I am a prophet, too, just as you are. And an angel gave me this command from the Lord: ‘Bring him home with you so he can have something to eat and drink.’” But the old man was lying to him. So they went back together, and the man of God ate and drank at the prophet’s home.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭13:18-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The straw that broke the camel’s back.

Authority

The chain of command that indicates who we report to and how. As a younger prophet, our unnamed prophet didn’t, rather shouldn’t question the word of his elder. An elder who had gone beyond the pale to seek him out. The young prophet did not pause to question the incongruity of the elder prophet. (Had you figured that out – that the elder prophet was pure evil?)

Let’s backtrack a quick minute and then return to the current text.

1) Under Jeroboam’s rule, most maybe all the prophets of YHWH were forced out of the country and resided in Judah. Should the young prophet have asked for some credentials?

2) We heard repeatedly that God said,‘Don’t tarry. Do what I told you and head straight home.’ What changed? In regard to the direct instruction given, nothing had changed.

3) This one is speculation and somewhat controversial. If Jeroboam was already set on punishing him; and the elder prophet was Jeroboam’s lackey; isn’t it possible that he, the elder prophet, was getting revenge on behalf of his king?

Siblings, it’s a rough road. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns that the devil seeks whom he may devour. Moses was at the height of his leadership of the Children of Israel when one misplaced comment cost him. He was angry at the people’s antics and yielded to the temptation of self aggrandizing. Trust me, the devil does not go on vacation. So we must always be on our guard. Yup. Even when fasting or on a mission for God.

Lord,

Help us remain sober and submissive to You. Then we can find the strength to resist the devil even when parading as an angel of light or a prophet. May we remain true to You dear Lord in Jesus name amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ