A Moment Of Indiscretion

Context: I Kings 13:11-34

Introduction

The word “Indiscretion” means, according to the Universal Reference Library Encyclopedia, “Rashness, imprudence, an unwise act, or a blunder”.

The word “blunder” means “a stupid mistake: a serious error; to make a bad mistake from stupidity or ignorance, to move or act clumsily”

It means to make an error or mistake, oversight, fault, omission. The general term “error” is any departure from the right or truth. We may commit errors of judgments, or make an error in a computation.

“Mistake” and “blunder” are two kinds of errors.

A mistake is an error of carelessness, inattention, or omission; it is not apt to be a grave matter, unless qualified by some such word as serious of grievous. A “blunder” is an error caused by stupidity, ignorance, conceit, or failure to understand. Blunders may be so serious as to bring punishment: sometimes they are ridiculous, and

not infrequently pathetic.

There is no doubt that the man of God in this story made a serious mistake and a grievous blunder. This man, who was called of God and who had almost fulfilled his calling, found himself in a moment of indiscretion.

He was now guilty of not being obedient to the voice of the Lord.

This is the chink in the armor of many of God’s people today, the act of disobedience. Let’s look at what happen to this man and evaluate it in our own lives.

First, notice that his man of God had been faithful. He had done well. He was totally committed to following through with his task.

His command had been to ----

Go to Jeroboam and prophecy against the altar (which had been built to offer idols).

He had prophesied of the coming altar upon which Jesus would be born and bring deliverance to Israel.

He told of the coming destruction of the present altar and the casting forth of the things in it and on it.

God was present. When Jeroboam tried to cry against the prophet, his hand was frozen with paralysis. Then, when he asked for healing and mercy, the Lord made him whole again. These should have been enough to start a great revival. Yet, Jeroboam continued to rebel and disobey God.

The man of God refused the offers of the king to stay and eat and receive great rewards. He was a man on a mission.

But, isn’t it amazing what can happen on the way home from a great meeting with God. He did go home a different way. But….

He faced one small moment of indiscretion.

It may have been a whisper from the enemy. “You are such a failure…”

It may have been a breeze of discouragement. “Man, did I ever mess things up. I just told the king where to get off… I’ll never be a used again.”

There are some things that happen that you and I need to be wary of in our service to the Lord.

The man of God stopped on his way home.

The “old” prophet found him and led him away from the path God had placed him on.

Let’s look at the man of God stopping at the “Roadside Oak”.

Why? Was he weary? Tired? Blue? Looking Backward?

How long did he stay stopped? Was he confused about where he was going and the direction in which he way going?

Well! I know that God loves and blesses people that are obedient to Him.

James 1:25 – “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therin, he being not a forgerful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

Hebrews 10:9 –“Then said he, Lord, I come to do thy will, O, God.”

But, when the man of God stops under the “oak”, he is found by his problem.

The “Old” prophet found him under the Oak.

Here is a prophet of God living in “Israel” the land of idols and disobedience, tainted by attitudes of hatred, jealousy, envy, worldliness, and carnality. He may have been one of the priests that Jeroboam had appointed without anointing, proper lineage, qualifications, servanthood, or worship. He was anybody’s dog that would hunt with him. The very fact he ran after the man of God is almost carnal. He wanted to copy his anointing and his power and his prophetic ability.

My friend, you don’t get it that a way! You can’t buy it, borrow it, copy it, or steal it. It comes from God by the power of the Holy Ghost. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

This old prophet was looking for personal glory instead of God’s glory. He lied to get his way. Then, he led God’s man away form the plan of God for his life.