First Hand Experience or Second Hand Information

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part” – 1 Cor. 13:9

The fear of not knowing drives our thirst for information; we seek for knowledge of the future from prophets to fortune tellers. The consequences of applying second hand information range from a correctable mistake to a life changing one. The fact a lot of people are saying it doesn’t make it right, a lying spirit could be in their mouth (1 Kings 22:22-23).

[pullquote]Have you considered the source of the information? [/pullquote]It is astonishing to see how many people act on second hand information which has not been proven. We seem to follow whosoever can argue their point more vehemently, whether they are wrong or right. Let me ask, “How many times have we taken medication prescribed by a family member who is not medical professional?”

Information is a very powerful tool but the source I believe, is more important. Good or right information will cost, like medication if taken in the wrong dosage can lead to death or we might find ourselves involved in a gossip. Where Information has been diluted i.e. something has been added to it or it has been polluted i.e. misinterpretation sometimes based on personally vendetta.

[pullquote] Are you living off history or Facts?[/pullquote]We can learn a from lesson the scripture passage,

“For 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 13:9

… “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. So the prophet said to him, “Come home with me and eat.” The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house. – 1 Kings 13:14-19

“When the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the prophet who had brought him back saddled his donkey for him. As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying on the road, with both the donkey and the lion standing beside it.” – 1 Kings 13:23 -24

”When the prophet who had brought him back from his journey heard of it, he said, “It is the man of God who defied the word of the LORD. The LORD has given him over to the lion, which has mauled him and killed him, as the word of the LORD had warned him.” – 1 Kings 13:26

Ironically, the Old prophet assumed no responsibility for the actions or the incident. The good news is that the Veil of the temple has been rented; everyone has access to the king of Glory where we can get firsthand experience (Hebrew 4:16). A Firsthand experience is undisputable. It gives us the boldness to witness. Paul’s boldness stems from his firsthand experience on his way to Damascus. He knew he had met with the Lord. (Acts 19:1-9). An encounter with God is irresistible. When Jesus transfigured before His disciples, Peter said “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:33). We must all seek firsthand experiences, cutting out the middle man so that we don’t make permanent decision based on secondhand information.

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