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Discover the story of the unnamed prophet who bravely served, faced temptations, and the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing God's expectations.
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The Unnamed Prophet • The message of the man of God 1 Kings 13:1-10 • The Fulfillment of the prophecy (300 years later) 2 Kings 23:15-20
The Unnamed Prophet • The unknown servant • In Scripture, he is unnamed • According to Josephus, Jadonis the name of this minor prophet • Does not direct attention to himself, but to the Lord and His Words • He spoke to the Altar, not to the people
The Unnamed Prophet • The brave servant • Spoke in the presence of the king • He does not ‘see’: king, congregation, priests • Symbolizes every brave voice that serves without fear – John the Baptist • Assured of the truth (even if 300 years later)
The Unnamed Prophet • The upright servant • Not moved by the king’s threats nor his gifts • Satan’s two methods • The merciful servant • Declared God’s wrath • Declared God’s mercy: • “So the man of God entreated the LORD…”
Under an Oak Tree • The prophet rests! 1 Kings 13:11-19 • Why did he sit under the oak? • To think, contemplate, reminisce? • 1st Temptation: Pride - on the pinnacle of the temple • Proud of his accomplishment: bravery, exemplary conduct, obedience? • Story: John Wesley’s admirer • Beware of the “Oak of Success"
Under an Oak Tree • 2nd Temptation: Hunger – stone into bread • After the long trip from Judah to Bethel • Rejected the king’s offer • How can God leave him hungry? • He fulfilled his service successfully, where is the reward? • He is due food and drink and necessities of life! • Why does he hunger? • Why is he suffering? • Where is God’s care and love?
Under an Oak Tree • 3rd Temptation: vain glory – on the mountaintop • Why did he refuse the king’s offer? • Maybe he should have thought about it more • He should have remained with the king to give him guidance • Will the king understand the message without a spiritual father to guide him?
Jadon and the Old Prophet • Betrayal! 1 Kings 13:19-24 • Satan can take the form of an angel! • “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me” (Matt 16:23) • “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened…” (Gen 3:4) • Why did the Old Prophet go to Jadon? Why did he deceive him? • Jealousy? Admiration? Curiosity? • The problem: Jadon disobeyed God!
Jadon and the Lion • Tragic end! 1 Kings 13:24-32 • The lion did not devour the corpse, nor the donkey. • This was punishment, not hunger • The lion: Satan – fierce, cruel, unsympathetic • The donkey: state of the nation – ignorance • “The ox knows its owner And the donkeyits master’s crib; But Israeldoes not know, My people do not consider.” (Isa 1:3)
Divine Punishment • Expected order of punishment: • Jeroboam, the evil king • The deceitful old prophet • Jadon • Actual order: • Jadon, old prophet, Jeroboam! • Servant may be the first to receive punishment! • “Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1) • God expected more of Jadon than of the old prophet and of Jeroboam • Death of the flesh, but the spirit is saved • Evidence: Josiah’s honor of his tomb (2Ki 23)
Jadon: The Unnamed Prophet • The unknown servant • Does not direct attention to himself, but to the Lord and His Words • The brave servant • Spoke in the presence of the king • The upright servant • Not moved by the king’s threats nor his gifts • The merciful servant • Declared God’s wrath and mercy
Jadon: The Unnamed Prophet • Temptations of the Oak tree (rest) • Pride • Hunger • Vain glory • Betrayal! • Satan can take the form of an angel • The bottom line: will we disobey? • Satan will not show any mercy, he will destroy • Will our state be that of a donkey: ignorance? • God expects more of his servants