God's Word Above All Else

But the man of God said to the king, “If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. 1 Kings 13:8 (NKJV)

The Lord sends a man of God to seek out King Jeroboam and prophesize against him because he was worshipping other gods and sacrificing to them. Jeroboam's first response was to have the man of God arrested, but he recanted when his hand withered as he pointed at the man of God. After the man of God restored his hand, Jeroboam requested that he should come to his house so that he could be rewarded. The man of God refused, saying that God gave him specific instructions and he would not disobey Him for half of Jeroboam's kingdom.

True devotion to God is not about personal gain but about obedience to His word, emphasizes the importance of standing firm in our principles and not allowing worldly temptations to compromise our spiritual mission. John 14:23 says, "Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." Obedience to God's word is not just a duty but a joyful expression of love and trust in Him. As believers, we need to actively seek to understand and follow God's commands, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a more fulfilling life.

Choose to be like the man of God and put the Lord before your worldly desires. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul, seeking HIs kingdom and righteousness. Rely on God's wisdom instead of your own, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of His plan. Remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for you when He went to the cross so that you could have victory over eternal death. Think of all that the Lord had done, so that you could be with Him and choose to follow His word above all else.