1 Kings 13:24 — And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcass was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcass. 

There are times when I read something in the Bible and say “What? How is that fair?” It is always a sign that I need to think some more. This story from 1 Kings provoked one of those moments today.

God tells the young prophet to go to Bethel, prophesy against King Jeroboam, and then return by another way — eating and drinking nothing.

The older prophet intercepts the young man, and lures him to his house in Bethel to eat and drink … lying to him, telling him that an angel of God had changed the instructions.

The word of the Lord came to the older prophet to tell the young man that because of his disobedience he would die and not be buried in the tombs of his father’s … and so it proves — he is killed by a lion on his way!

At first sight it doesn’t seem fair, does it. How come the older prophet, the liar, isn’t the one who ends up dead? I needed to think some more.

Here’s the thing. The younger prophet failed in his obedience to God. Even Balaam did better than that. He didn’t go beyond the word of the Lord — “And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.” (Numbers 22:18). The younger prophet allowed himself to be diverted from following God’s word — to do less than God’s word — by someone that he had no reason to believe. Why would he do that? He broke faith, it seems, for no better reason than the desire for food and drink.

God’s servants have to do better. I was reminded of Moses. At first sight his punishment, too, seemed harsh … but closer study makes it clear that in claiming some of God’s glory, he too broke faith.

Prophets, pastors, teachers, … can all expect to be he?d to a higher standard. It’s what James was talking about: 

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1)

It might seem hard. But the world is watching… there can be no excuses …