1 Kings 13:4-10 – Be true to our calling

First Kings 13:4-10, describe the immediate reaction of Jeroboam on hearing the words of God by the nameless prophet who cried out against the altar. Intimidated by his words, Jeroboam instinctively stretched out his hand from the altar, and ominously ranted, “Seize him.” He did not even wait to see if the prophet’s word would come to pass.  He just reacted so fast without a pause. As soon as his order reverberated in the air, God’s judgment fell. His outstretched hand shriveled up and he could not withdraw it. Spontaneously, the altar also split apart, and the ashes spewed out just as the prophet had prophesied.  

By this time Jeroboam must have realized that the Lord meant business. So verse 6 said that he begged the prophet, saying, “Please entreat the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” The prophet obliged and entreated God on his behalf. His prayer was heard. God responded, healed, and restored the king’s withered hand.   

Was Jeroboam changed? He obviously was not. Stalling for time, he attempted to win the favor of the prophet. So verse 7 said that he invited the prophet for a meal, saying  “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” He was trying to entice the prophet, but his ploy did not work for him. For God had already commanded the prophet, not to eat any bread, nor drink water, nor return by the way which he came. So the prophet's response to the king was, even “If you were to give me half your house, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place.” So he left via another route and did not take the same way he came to Bethel.

Two takeaways from these seven verses.  Firstly, we learn that the person God uses must be courageous. Just like that prophet, God’s instrument must show courage to confront unflinchingly. Like the prophet, God’s instrument must not mince words but speak God’s word boldly. Secondly, to be God’s effective instrument one must be discerning and not succumb to bribes. The king baited the prophet with rewards but he remained unmoved. He was even brave enough to tell the king off. He valued God’s command more than the rewards of man. We know how tempting riches, prestige, and honor can be, but a true servant of God will remain faithful to Him and will not succumb to bribes. Let us be true servants of God!