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I was reading that rather interesting scripture in 1 kings 13.

Jeroboam had built 2 golden calves, one at Dan and the other at Bethel. You would have thought he had learned the lesson of the Israelites in the wilderness:- Jehovah is not very keen on golden calves.....but obviously not.

The lack of faith, and then putting their faith in something objectionable, to Jehovah, but outwardly was covered in gold was a sin.
How many people today put their faith in things that are equivalent to lumps of carved wood, corrupt institutions and religions, because outwardly they appear to be covered in gold?

Then a prophet comes to Bethel and denounces the golden calf there.
We are not given the name of this prophet, just that he was a man of God and had travelled out of Judah.
He warned that those who officiated as priests offerring up sacrifices would themselves be offerred up.
He then goes on to say that the calf would be rent assunder and the offerings would spill out on the ground.

Jeroboam tried to thrust his hand out against the prophet and it is immediately dried up and it seems it he cannot withdraw it.

The words of the prophet are proven true because he interceeds for Jeroboam, Jehovah heals his hand, and the altar is split in two.

The prophet then starts a circuitous journey back to Judah, instructed by God. He eats no bread and drinks no water.

Then an old prophet, for some reason dissuades him and in fact, lies to him and gives him a different message saying he was told to offer this man bread and water.

Deceived, this first prophet, accepts and pays with his life being killed bu a lion, whilst his ass stands by and is unharmed.

Apart from seeing many prophetic symbols, the scripture that comes to mind is:-

Galatians 1:6-10 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel — not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.”

Any thoughts? Who is Josiah and what is this with the ass and the lion? The connection with Revelation 7 is also interesting.

vicky

Hello dear Vicky,

This is really a facinating account~!

The prophet sinned because he believed a mans word(even though claiming to be a prophet) over what he was told DIRECTLY by Father to do!!! He trusted a person, instead of God.

Interesting in that he started his journey and obligation off correctly, doing what he was told to do, which was go to bethel by a certain route, deliver the message, Then return home by a different path. But he did not complete his task in faith. He felt he had finished, even though God had told him that is was not complete until he carried out every word he has said.

Just some little thoughts :)

With love
Lynn