The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 11-12
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 6: Kings and Prophets: God divides the kingdom people.
Background Information: 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 11-12
Whether King or unnamed prophet, the wages of sin is death. The unnamed prophet from Judah (the Southern Kingdom) is given a message to deliver to the idolatrous king of the north. He is also given specific instructions regarding his behavior in the delivery of the message. When tempted by the king to deviate from these instructions, he refuses, resisting even the temptation of a reward. On his way home, after a successful mission, another prophet lies to him about a word from God. This formerly faithful prophet fails to remain faithful and is killed for his disobedience. Such a strange and terrible story. It leaves us with so many questions. Why did the lying prophet deceive his fellow prophet? Was it pride? Did he want to look like he, too, could hear from God? Was it jealousy (perhaps he wanted to be the one to speak to the King)? It is likely that this prophet of the north was showing even his own resistance to God’s message of judgment, especially when delivered by some prophet from the south. Whatever the reason, what he did was terrible, and it cost a man his life. In truth, what cost the prophet his life was that he took the word of a man over the clear word of God. He was given the privilege of speaking for God and the corresponding responsibility of staying faithful to God. His judgment was harsh, but the stakes were high for everyone involved. There was no margin for error in hearing and obeying the clear word of God.
The story is concise, and it doesn’t tell us all that we would like to know. The story is also precise in its application: even after all these terrible events, Jeroboam did not repent, and his house was obliterated from the face of the earth. The lone exception to the judgment that fell on Jeroboam’s house was his son, Abijah, in whom God found something favorable. His death was seen to be a severe mercy from God. Abijah experienced mercy in his own death in that he was saved from the dishonor that would befall his family. We experience mercy in the death of the Son of God.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for the Men’s Event. Ask God to use this event to help men grown in friendship with one another.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.