Often, when I search for something on the Internet, I’m not sure I can trust the information I find. If I type a topic into a well-known search engine, I may end up on a website that features unverified information. Disclaimers warn that experts haven’t reviewed the content and so there’s no way to guarantee that it’s accurate, complete, or unbiased. No matter how authentic the material might seem, I know it’s unwise to trust it.
Trusting the wrong source of information was a key part of the downfall of the “man of God from Judah” (1 Kings 13:1). He set out to deliver a message from God with specific instructions: Don’t eat or drink anything, and don’t go back the same way you came (1 Kings 13:9-10). He prophesied and followed God’s rules until he met an old man who invited him to a meal (1 Kings 13:15). The younger man refused, but the old man said, “I am a prophet, too. . . . An angel gave me this command from the Lord: ‘Bring him home with you so he can have something to eat and drink’ ” (1 Kings 13:18).
That evident lie led the young man to go and satisfy his desires against God’s commands. The old man’s status as a prophet carried weight, but he wasn’t trustworthy. Sadly, however, the young prophet acquiesced and died soon afterward (1 Kings 13:24).
Like this young prophet, we can get into trouble if we turn away from God’s wisdom in favor of what other people tell us. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “test everything” by what God has revealed to us. As we seek the instruction found in Scripture, the advice of godly counselors, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit, we can make decisions that will honor Him. God is the Source of Truth—may we choose His wisdom today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Proverbs 5:1-23
More:
Read Psalm 33:4 and consider what it reveals about God’s trustworthiness.
Next:
What does Scripture reveal about the issues on your mind today? How can you test the words and advice you’re receiving from others?
Gary Shultz on May 20, 2016 at 6:12 am
A great look at where we are today Jennifer….God does not stammer or stutter, when He says something, that’s what He means. We may say, well it says, God changed His mind, and it does, only in cases of pronounced judgement, He showed mercy….. We so “toy” today with what God says. I guess it shows we don’t really understand the personage who has spoken. I know you know, God does not contradict Himself. He will never speak in opposition to His word. God has given us a foundation in His word and as it says, test the spirits. This poor guy stepped into the same thing Adam and Eve did; “nothing new under the sun.” Thanks Jennifer
jennifer benson schuldt on May 20, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Gary, you made a good connection between the young prophet in today’s reading and Adam and Eve. I recently heard that the most convincing lies are nothing more than truth with a twist. As we test everything, we need to throw out the things that don’t measure up with God’s Word, and “hold on to what is good.”
hsnpoor on May 20, 2016 at 12:55 pm
I agree; great connection! The problem is we live such busy and hurried/harried lives, that we don’t take the time to “test the spirits” and there are so many ungodly spirits all about us that need to be tested. The only true inoculation is be rooted and grounded in the word of God and to put that first and foremost each and everyday. The other stuff can wait and, quite frankly, will work better if we put first things (God) first. If we really know the TRUTH, the lie will shine like a neon light.
Tom Felten on May 20, 2016 at 9:08 am
Jennifer, I’m reminded of what Jesus said in John 14:21, ” Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” To obey is so much better than sacrifice—God desires it out of a love relationship with us.
jennifer benson schuldt on May 20, 2016 at 12:19 pm
Hi Tom,
Obedience as a sign of love…YES! A lot could be written about that. 🙂 It’s true. I’m thankful that God is a perfect Father–clear in His expectations, gracious when we fail, and always full of love for us.
jim spillane on May 20, 2016 at 11:41 am
Jennifer – you’ve touched on something here that I think is going to be extremely important to remember, not only today, but also in the latter times as we get closer and closer to the Second Coming. Our Heavenly Father is very succinct when He gives us a command or a truth to follow, and we are not to deviate from it in any way. In your devotional today, this “Man of God from Judah” had received very explicit instructions and was doing well in following them until he came across a man who deceived him with a twist of God’s message saying, “I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord.” We, as followers, must always have our guard up and our defenses ready because we have already been warned that in the end times Satan’s activity in this world will only increase, and his deception and lies will seem more convincing. There is only one right path and one truth, and I pray that we are always mindful of that, through the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Blessings to all who visit here today.
jennifer benson schuldt on May 20, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Jim, thanks for your comment. It reminded me of a scripture I’ve been thinking about recently. It’s where Jesus is talking about Himself as the Good Shepherd. John 10. “The sheep recognize [the shepherd’s] voice and come to Him. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out…they follow Him because they know His voice” (v.3-4). May God help us to be listening for His voice so that we can follow Him and stay faithful to Him.
hsnpoor on May 20, 2016 at 1:02 pm
Jim, Jennifer & Gary, this is a portion of scripture I’m sure I’ve read, but it clearly never took hold of me because it read like I’d never seen it before today. As I read it through, I do understand the message, but I don’t get the impression that the older prophet was being maliciously deceitful, especially by his actions and words in burying the younger prophet. That’s something that will probably disturb me until I can stop, pray and work through this passage. Jennifer thank you for delivering this devotion with a Friday publish date, as I have a “free” weekend (well, Saturday—something I haven’t had in months) to give this study some time and attention! God Bless you ALL!
jennifer benson schuldt on May 20, 2016 at 3:23 pm
hsnpoor,
Glad this post caught your attention. I love the approach you are taking by deliberately reading the passage and praying about it. We’re on track when we let Scripture intepret Scripture. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
olus12 on May 20, 2016 at 3:47 pm
It’s difficult at time because the Bible say the angle of satan appear as angle of God. So unless one allow the holy spirit. It will be difficult to know the type of spirit. Then we must have faith, without faith we won’t be able to identify the true spirit.
Pls can you explain Roman chp 7vs14,15 to me