God has given us a plan or a road map for our journey. From a recent sermon, was a lesson to make sure we discover the Truth by having a relationship with God through Jesus who is the Light of the World! He is the Truth that liberates the heart, mind, body, and soul to set us free. The Truth provides fulfillment and a cohesive plan for us in concert with the world because the Spirit prompts us to step ahead to victory. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.*

Jeroboam had departed from God’s ways by setting up idols for worship. He even instituted a festival to offer sacrifices to the golden calves he had made. In 1 Kings 13, God sought to change Jeroboam by sending a man to speak out and warn about his detestable practices. When Jeroboam stretched out his hand to command that the man be seized, his hand shriveled up. Then the altar was split apart and its ashes were poured out (verses 4-5).

We note two men that were told by God what to do but they didn’t do it. Jeroboam was not changed even when the man of God interceded for him so his hand was restored. He didn’t change his idol worship. Then, we get the account of the man of God who explicitly disobeyed a command from the word of the Lord. We find out from this passage that the man of God was punished because of his disobedience. He was mauled by a Lion and killed (v. 26).

We can study within the Bible experiences others have gone through like the ones from today’s passage and learn from the choices made. This teaches us about the crucial skill of decision making and gives suggestions for the best plans of action as we step ahead along the journey.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for Your Word that provides us with the experiences that others have gone through. These experiences help us with our own decisions. Our assessment is always to choose the path of Jesus because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is in His name we pray today … Amen.

*”Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.