1 Kings 13:1-34

In this chapter are two lessons of supreme value; first, the patient grace of God, and, second, the solemn responsibility of such as bear His message.

The first of these is brought out in the story of Jeroboam. While he stood at the altar which his sin had erected he was rebuked and smitten. This was really his opportunity for repentance. His heart, however, was set on sin, and therefore he manifested no genuine repentance, but only a selfish desire for healing. Thus the opportunity for repentance became the occasion of the outworking of his own evil determination.

In his dealings with men, God ever leads them to circumstances through which they may either return to Him or by their continuance in sin make more certain their own ultimate doom. The second lesson is the deception and death of the prophet who had been sent to deliver the Lord's message. While there can be no excuse for the man who lied to him in order to draw him aside, that fact does not for one moment change his responsibility. No direct command of God must be disregarded by His messengers, even if it be m e that an angel suggest the change of method. A divine purpose directly communicated must never be set aside by any supposed intermediation of any kind.