After Paul left Galatia grievous wolves had entered and taken captive their hearts. Paul says to them “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting…” As we read the story of the disobedient unnamed prophet whom God had sent on a mission to the wicked king Jeroboam and the tale that follows, we also like Paul say “I am astonished!”
Prophet; what were you thinking? Why would you think the other old prophet is telling the truth about the angelic message? God had said not to eat or drink or return the same way. He had stood tall and strong in the face of Jeroboam to warn him! God had sent a sign in his midst by Jeroboam’s shriveled hand and the broken altar. He had refused Jeroboam’s gracious gift of a meal and rest, yet, on his way home dutifully following the words of God, he stopped to rest and as we say; he fell for the old prophet’s lie, hook, line, and sinker.
There is a lesson for us here if we will but listen. If God speaks directly, that should be the final answer. God is not a man that changes his mind. If we want to know if we should listen to another’s words, pray and ask for discernment. Remember, temptation comes in when we let our guard down even if it comes through a friend or one who speaks with what seems like righteous words.