Have you ever heard the story of the unnamed prophet before? It is from 1 Kings 13 and is an excellent example of why we must reject distractions when we are on a mission from the Lord.

The unnamed prophet was given strict instructions from God for his time in Bethel that he was not to eat bread or drink water and not to return the same way that he came. He was first tempted to eat and drink after he healed King Jeroboam’s hand (see 1 Kings 13 for more context here if you are interested in the back story – which I totally encourage!). The king offered the prophet a meal and a gift as a reward for healing his hand. The prophet rejected the offer because of what God had instructed him to do. Well done prophet!

Next we find our unnamed prophet down the road a bit being approached by a man who was once a prophet himself. (stay with me here I know there seems to be a lot of prophets but there are only two – the unnamed one and the old prophet). So the old prophet told the unnamed prophet that he had heard from an angel of the LORD that he was to bring the unnamed prophet back to his home and feed him bread and give him water. The old prophet was lying. Unfortunately for the unnamed prophet he believed him and went with him.

This is where the consequences kick in. As they were dining at the house of the old prophet the Lord spoke through the old prophet. God said that the unnamed prophet would not be buried in the tomb of his ancestors because he defied what God had told him to do (by eating bread and drinking water.). As the unnamed prophet continued on his way, after eating and drinking, he was killed by a lion and was found dead in the road. Pretty drastic consequence here.

Moral of the story? When God says to do something, he means business. Not that our consequence is always sudden death like it was for this unnamed prophet, but we will always be out of the will of God if we disobey – which can feel a lot like death. Either way, I wouldn’t suggest going against what God has asked you to do. Any punishment from the Lord is usually painful to some extent and generally unfavorable whether it be death or otherwise. Save yourself the pain and just listen, ok?

When you feel tempted to stray from what the Lord has called you to do remember this unnamed prophet and take courage in these verses:

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

Lord, may we be obedient in all that you have called us to do. May we be trustworthy stewards like we see in Luke 16:10. Keep us from straying from your glorious plan, no matter what our directions are. Keep us steadfast chasing after you and give us the wisdom to discern truth from lies. May we keep your commands close to our hearts and honor you in all that we do. May we hear your voice louder than any other and may our hearts respond willingly to your call. You are mighty to save and Father we are so grateful for all that you have done and plan to do in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.