Tue, Aug 18, 2009
Deeply Rooted or Easily Swayed?
There is a deception here, a discrepancy in the truth. A case of mistaken identity. This man of God sat under a tree and initially was obedient to his original instruction, but the older prophet deceived him and may have been thinking he could entertain this visitor and have a kindred friend. Surely a white lie would do the trick, the man of God was certainly thirsty and hungry. Did he test the old prophet? No, he yielded as the offer was a kind overture and met his physical comfort needs. Sounds like this old prophet was of the same school as Eli, who also seemed to have a holiness about him, but callously rebuked Hannah and accused her of being drunk when she was crying out to God. There are many "old prophets" today. Changing colors to the times. There is a cemetery near the church, a claim of being inspired by God, but the dead are not near the tombstones. As the old prophet buried the man of God, he recognized that he had contributed to his death. There are also the walking dead, those behind the pulpit. Proclaiming to be inspired by God, but instead appealing to modern culture and speaking lies that contradict the truth. At least the old prophet had remorse for what he did. This isn't meant to be a rebuke of the clergy, but a warning to the listeners in the pews. There is a rock-solid instruction and a call to obedience in the scriptures. Christians should not be swayed by every one who claims to have the truth. Anyone who compromises the word of God with a seductive overture that meets a comfort need should be viewed with great suspicion. Are we deeply rooted, starting out our walk meditating on the truth as this man of God did? Or are we easily swayed by the next traveler who happens by and following a waive of new teaching that appeals to our physical appetites?