As I was reading the entire Bible as a new Christian, I was upset by a few things I read. The story in 1 Kings 12-13 especially troubled me. A prophet named Shemaiah was given instructions from God to go and warn the sinful King Jeroboam to turn away from idolatry. He was told to fast and to not go back with anyone. Bottom line, the Prophet Shemaiah did not heed God’s instructions. He was disobedient to God and died.
What Happened Here?
The reason the prophet failed especially upset me. An old prophet lied to him and misled him. Why was the old prophet not killed instead? Was Shemaiah being tested? How does that apply to modern day prophets?
In 1 Corinthians 14, God’s people are told to pray for the gift of Prophecy. The gift of Prophecy is not about fortune telling, but about speaking on God’s behalf. Prophets are also given information on how to use the gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. The good news is that Love is a key ingredient in everything we do for God.
The old prophet did sin and it led to another prophet’s death. However, the old prophet was obedient when God gave him a message to deliver. I suspect the old prophet repented his sin. The old prophets’ actions in 1 Kings 13 implies that he regretted his sin as he buried Shemaiah in his own tomb, which they would eventually share. Matthew 16:23 tells us that prophets are tested.
There is no evidence the Prophet Shemaiah repented. Would He have been spared death if he had? Did he just accept his fate and preferred death? Did he learn the lesson that there are consequences when we do not follow God obediently and instead follow other humans or our own flesh? Can we repent when we fail God and be delivered from the consequences we were especially warned about? I needed more information and understanding.
I Prayed for Understanding
God assured me that His people come to Him when they die. I had mistakenly assumed failure and disappointing God on Earth meant being locked out of Heaven. God also assured me with Scripture that going to Heaven to be with God is a good thing. He also doesn’t lock His children out of Heaven. God gave me a number of Scriptures about the death of His people and how sometimes He just takes them away from evil. (Isa 57:1-2). I think the messages God is giving to modern day prophets in 1 Kings 13 are clear. There are consequences for our actions. The old prophet lied in order to spend time with another prophet, and this led to the death of Shemaiah. Shemaiah was disobedient to God, regardless of what he was told by the old prophet. Shemaiah had been fasting and PERHAPS he wanted to eat and fellowship with the old prophet too. Bottom line we are all responsible for our own actions, even if we are lied to and mislead.
Modern Day Prophets
We need to take God’s warning seriously. In Numbers 23:19 God speaks the truth. Modern day prophets have the Bible filled with instructions on how to use their Spiritual Gifts. God has also sent His only Son as a Savior and a Teacher. Every believer will hopefully make it a point to pray that God will equip them with a humble and teachable Spirit. The great news is that 1 Corinthians 12-14 is overflowing with instructions on how to use Spiritual Gifts appropriately. Modern day Prophets are especially blessed due to the Lamb of God because, they have the benefit of the indwelling Holy Spirit to equip, teach and lead them.
Prophet’s Prayer
Lord God Almighty, sanctify me in Your Holiness through Christ Jesus the Lamb of God. Fill me with Your love and wisdom. Help me see through Your eyes of unconditional love and trust You. Please give me a humble and teachable Spirit to better serve You. Cleanse me of any unrighteousness or doubts and strengthen me. Help me remember always that I am accountable to You. Lord God Almighty, take my voice and make it Your voice, fused with the Fruits of Your Holy Spirit. Father of Love, allow Your love to go before me and bless those that hear Your voice. Let Your Truth boldly come out of my mouth in Love. Let the power of Your Holy Spirit accomplish exactly what You want it to do. Bind anything that is not of You and take it into Your Hands and dispose of it according to Your perfect will. Create a clean Spirit within us and favor us with Your grace. Bless our Tables of Grace here on Earth with Your Glory. Strengthen us with Your love and peace. Be glorified even now. In Your Holy Name I pray Jesus. Amen.