I, too, am a prophet.

It was late 2025, while reading a chapter of the old testament that I realized that ancient Israel was divided into two: The norther ( Israel/Ephraim) and Southern Kingdom (Judah).

“Are you serious?” I asked my friend, who was rather surprised that I didn’t know all this while.

“Yeah, after the reign of Solomon, Israel was divided. A small part remained with the descendants of David, while the larger portion was handed to Solomon’s servant,” she explained.

I stood at akimbo at the entrance while she was seated calmly on the bed, “You should consider reading the old testament; there is a lot to learn from there” she concluded.

I shrugged and walked off, however the thought lingered.

Months later, I started studying the book of 1 Kings out of a sincere curiosity more than anything else, but something happened; I couldn’t get past chapter 13.

For some days I kept going back to chapter 13 hoping that the characters would appear in my room for a brief interview. Before I continue, here is the backstory;

After King David’s death, Solomon was anointed King. Solomon’s reign started pretty well, with his fame reaching the ends of the earth, but it ended badly because he left the ordinances of God. This resulted to the division of the twelve tribes of Israel, two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) went to Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, while ten tribes went to Jeroboam, Solomon’s servant.

Now, as soon as Jeroboam’s reign began, he built golden calves and caused the people to worship them, and because of this, God had to send a prophet from Judah to denounce him as King.

Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash

This was the beginning of chapter 13. After the prophet from Judah delivered the Lord’s message to Jeroboam, the King invited him to his palace for a meal, but he refused.

But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.” 1 kings 13: 8-9 BSB

I think it was easier for him to refuse the King’s offer because he was clearly practicing idolatry. I mean, the difference between light and darkness was glaring.

I smiled as I read that verse, “Uncle from Judah just boldly and publicly refused to be associated with the works of darkness”

But things went south...

This same Prophet from Judah on his way home, was met by an old prophet who asked him to come home for a meal. He explained to him the constraints surrounding his journey; however the old prophet lied by saying an Angel of God had appeared to him and asked to bring the Prophet from Judah in. To make it more convincing he added, ‘I am a prophet too, just as you are.’

The prophet from Judah yielded and the outcome was a terrible one — an awful death.

According to a commentary, “He died because he listened to a man who claimed to have message from God, rather than to God himself”

It was at this point I wished I could invite both for an interview.

I would have glowered at the old prophet, “Why did you lie to the prophet from Judah, was it only so he could come and eat and drink in your home? what exactly was your intent?”

And to the Prophet from Judah, I would I have looked at him with sympathy and asked, “What was going on in your mind, Didn’t you remember that God is not an author of confusion?”

If the old prophet stutters, I would hit the table hard, glance at him angrily, ‘You better start talking’

Well, until my wish comes true, something happened recently that I found quite hilarious.

I was listening to the radio some days ago when an acclaimed prophet came on air announcing his church program titled ‘Prophetic Prophet Prophecy.’ I immediately sat up from the tiled floor where I was lying, amazed by such title. I paid attention to every word that left his lips hoping to grasp something, anything.

‘If you are coming, wear white, only white. Tomorrow will be brutal, make sure you come wearing white’ he said, his voice exuding energy.

‘White? For what exactly’ I asked myself. I reached for my phone and began googling the church out of curiosity.

While I was still engrossed in my search, I heard him say, ‘Call me on phone and I will give you a prophecy.’ I thought it was all a joke until people starting calling in and sharing their problems. In an instance, I imagined it’s all staged, but on the other hand I was worried for the callers - if they were real - who will take his words hook, line, and sinker.

Prophetic Prophet Prophecy

Photo by AMONWAT DUMKRUT on Unsplash

It’s unfortunate that we live in such a time where we are exposed to lots of “God said.” From the media to our local assembly, close relatives, trusted friends, and even our mind.

“The lord appeared to me”

“I was translated into a different realm…”

“An angel ministered to me”

“This doesn’t really matter. God will understand,” and a host of other convincing statements.

The thing here is that it doesn’t matter who said it, be it a General Overseer, an Apostle, a miracle worker, a respected internet personality, the truth still remains that God’s word is unchanging.

Beyond who delivers the message, it’s essential we note the nature of their words. First of all it’s sweet to hear and satisfies our fleshy desires.

But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning] 1 Tim 4:1-2

Secondly, it eats through one’s mind and the church like gangrene - it will become popular because it spread quickly. Other times, it’s difficult to point out, because it looks just like a true word from God.

Therefore, it is critical that you first hear and understand what God is saying or has said concerning a situation you are dealing with personally or matters concerning biblical doctrine such as Forgiveness, Restitution, Sanctification, Modesty, Grace, because without that knowledge, you will be TOSSED ABOUT like the wind.

The good thing is, inasmuch as God speaks through different medium, he never contradict himself.

In conclusion, it is imperative we stay humble and in constant need of God’s guidance, mercy and a discerning eyes. That you overcame a significant temptation does not often guarantee your victory in the next. Earnestly ask for God’s strength and guidance, because without it .... an old prophet might lead to you to both spiritual and physical death.

Dear reader, there is no better way to know what God have said or is saying rather than through communion in pray and studying of the word. Before you swallow that prophet’s word concerning your current situation, take time to pray and get confirmations from God. Remember, it’s never wrong to pray about anything.

Let me hear your thoughts: what do you think might have been the Old prophet’s intent? A study through the chapter is essential.