In I Kings 13, God sent His prophet to Bethel to curse the altar. When Jeroboam heard it, he was determined to negate the words of the prophet, so he “stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, ‘Seize him.’ And his hand, which he stretched out against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself” (I Kings 13:4, ESV).
Jeroboam’s attitude quickly changed, and he begged the prophet and God for mercy. God healed the paralyzed hand, and Jeroboam learned a lesson—the word of God is true!
With his hand restored, the king became a gracious host and invited the prophet to his palace, where he planned to give him a lavish meal and a nice reward. The prophet promptly turned down the invitation because God had explicitly instructed him to go to Bethel, issue the curse, and leave without lingering to eat or drink.
Why would God give such a strict command? We don’t know exactly, but God’s plan has always been for humanity to obey His Word. In the beginning, God spoke. Today, we have the written Word. While God extends mercy and grace, the plan remains unchanged.
The most fascinating part of the story is when the prophet was intercepted on his way home by another prophet who gave him instructions that differed from what God had originally spoken. “And he said to him, I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him. So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water” (I Kings 13:18-19, ESV). This time, the prophet acquiesced, and his disobedience to God’s word led to a tragic end—a lion attacked and killed him.
God’s Word doesn’t change!
- “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).
- “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
- “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8).
- “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18).
The world is filled with voices trying to influence us. Be cautious of these voices! They might sound intelligent, logical, and reasonable and can be alluring. Some may claim to be “new revelations” or even messages from an “angel” (beware of deceiving, fallen angels). The Word of God is the ultimate authority. If a new doctrine or message doesn’t align with God’s Word, it is not true and can lead to spiritual death—eternal death. Always ask yourself, “What does the Bible say?”
