Man of God?

I was reflecting on the phrase, “man of God” today.

Usually, in the Bible it’s used to describe a prophet. But David was called a “man of God” (Nehemiah 12:36) and so was Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11).

Interestingly, “man of God” is used of the messenger sent to Samson’s parents, and many Bible scholars believe that the messenger was actually Jesus (Judges 13:6).

But here in 1 Kings 13, God pointed out two things to me I’d never seen before.

First, the older prophet was never called a “man of God.” And looking at his actions, I think we can see why.

Second, the “man of God” in this chapter is the only one in the Bible of whom it’s said in the same breath, “who disobeyed the Lord’s command.”

And really, obedience is what marks a “man of God.” He is not his “own man.” He is “God’s man.”

A man of God lives under God’s lordship.

He trusts God, living by every word that come from God’s mouth, even the little details, something the “man of God” in this story failed to do.

A man of God is faithful with what God has entrusted to him, loving and serving the people God has put in his life.

That contrasts sharply with Jeroboam who refused to trust God and went his own way. (1 Kings 11:38; 12:26-30)

And that contrasts sharply with Rehoboam who tried to flex his power over his people. (1 Kings 12:13-14)

Now, technically speaking, the word, “man of God” could be translated “person of God.”

And all Christians, men and women, should be men and women of God, men and women living under God’s lordship, loving and serving those God has entrusted to them.

But throughout the Bible, “man of God” is always used of men: Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha, and Timothy, among others.

So while I would challenge the women to be “women of God,” I challenge the men even more, “Be a man of God.”

Live under his lordship, in daily submission to him. And be faithful to what God has entrusted to you, loving and serving your wife, your children, and all others God has put into your life.