Read 1 Kings 13
I like using the terms ‘on script’ and ‘off script’ in reference to staying on task and veering away from the task, plan or ‘script’. In 1 Kings 13, we’re presented with a case of a man who went ‘off script’ and it’s a good lesson for us all.
In this story, we read about the man of God that was sent by God to confront King Jeroboam about his demonic altars. He follows the script, and goes to the King and pronounces the destruction of the altar. King Jeroboam is taken aback and tries to have the prophet arrested, however, he ends up being struck with an infirmity. At this point the King recognizes and sees the power of God at work and asks the prophet to entreat God to heal him and he does. The King then invites the prophet to dine with him, but the prophet refuses, for God had instructed him to ‘not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way came.’ The prophet, staying on script, goes his merry way.
Along his way home, he meets an old prophet who invites him to come and eat at his house. He tells this old prophet God’s specific instructions to him, but the old prophet manages to deceive him by telling him that an angel had appeared to him and gave him new instructions. The man of God subsequently accepts the invitation. He eats at the old prophet’s house and as result bears the consequences of his disobedience- his untimely death.
Woman of God, listen to what God has spoken to you. If He has spoken to you, don’t go off script and begin listening to mere man. Follow the script God has given you, because doing otherwise will result in negative consequences.
The Bible says that the devil your adversary is like a lion roaming, seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). In this story the enemy used an ‘old prophet’ to deceive this new prophet. Be careful of the deceits of the enemy, and stay steeped in the Lord, for His word is a lamp for your your feet and a light for your path (Psalms 119:105).
