Tragedy of Being Unprepared

We come to the conclusion of 1 Samuel and the conclusion of the people's king, Saul. Sin causes such chaos and confusion.

What a sad plot Saul's life took. As sad as anything is in this account, sad is the absence of any kind of sorrow or repentance or crying out to God at all on Saul’s part. He was told the previous day that he would die, yet he does not seem to have prepared his soul to meet God in any way.

When Saul saw the Philistine army preparing to attack Israel, he spent his time going undercover to a witch's cove. No preparation of his army. No preparation to meet God. No preparation from a kingly standpoint except to consult a medium. So no wonder when the Philistines attacked all Israel was thrown into disarray and slain on Mt. Gilboa.

Lord God, as I hear hard words or encounter difficult times, may I cry out to You, and be quick to repent lest it give the Philistines the victory.

And to think...David wanted to be a part of this group of Philistines. It was the Lord’s mercy that did not allow David to take up with these enemies of the Lord. David would have had a hand not only in slaying Saul, but in killing his covenantal best friend, that brave and worthy Jonathan. To the end, we see Jonathan loyally fighting for his God, his country, and his father the king unto the very end.

Merciful Saviour, how I thank You for sparing me the many snares I would I have chosen to fall headlong into, if it were not for Your intervention.

As much as the events of Saul and his family's death grieved David, it is clear to see that it did provide David a smoother path to the kingship of Israel in the aftermath. I'm thankful the Lord is able to see the big picture.

What can be said about suicide? Saul's beginning looked so bright, but as time took it's toll on this tall, handsome man, jealousy took over. Even to the point that it led to the sin of suicide. After all, suicide is self-murder. Yet, it is wrong to regard suicide as the unforgivable sin.

There is no depth that a person (yes, even a Christian), won't go, if we start trusting in our own hearts more instead of God's will. And this isn't even addressing the physical suicidal causes. The Christian is not granted a special hedge of protection over the synapses of the brain or the chemical balance of it. We are prone to heart disease, liver disease, and any other organ disease, including the brain, just like the rest of the world.

Every sin is forgivable. Every poor choice we make is forgivable. But just as in this story...the tragedy is so far reaching. All of God's people were in total chaos and on the edge of captivity. It was even used to glorify pagan gods and to mock the living God (to proclaim it in the temple of their idols and among the people).

Giver of Life, help me to embrace You as the source of Life. During the darkness of life may I lean hard on You rather than leaning on my sword.

Out of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead arose valiant men who gave kindness to the memory of Saul, Jonathan, and Saul's other sons. Many years before, Saul delivered their city from the Ammonites, and they faithfully repay the kindness God showed them from the hand of Saul. And so the men of Jabesh Gilead took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from their place of humiliation and gave them a proper burial.

Lord Jesus, help me to give tokens of my appreciation and gratitude to the many people You have used in my life to deliver me from the "Ammonites," while they are still alive. Oh for a deeply grateful heart!

Return to the Lord

This is a turn-around-chapter for David (1 Samuel 30). For 16 months he's been mercilessly raiding other villages, being sure to leave no survivors behind in order to cover his sin (compare David's tactics with the Amalekites "merciful" kidnappings!); and even arrived to the point where he was ready to battle against God's people of whom he was to be king!

And remember how he got himself into this whole mess? David said in his heart lies, old tapes, discouragements, etc. But in this chapter, after much orchestrating and corralling by the Lord, David returns to the Lord in his thinking.
David strengthened himself in the Lord!
Our heart is the battlefield for the soul!

When the Bible reads "Now it happened..." I take great comfort knowing that the Amalekites invasion didn't "just happen." God had a purpose for orchestrating this whole thing in David's life. Yes! Even though it affected 600 men and their families!

So it was "All had been lost." At this point, David has nothing more to support him. No one in Israel can help him. The Philistines don’t want him. His family is gone; all he has owned is gone.

But at least he has his friends, right? Not really; the people spoke of stoning him. Every support is gone, except the Lord. That is a good place to be in, not a bad place.

So after God has painted him into a corner, David reaches out to the character of God. David went to Him for comfort when everything and everyone was against him.

He knew there was no one to turn to for strength in such an overwhelming crisis except the Lord...and he had confidence that the Lord would be merciful even after 1-1/2 years of doing his own rebellious way!

Yes, even backslidden David, wayward David, “fight-with-the-Philistines” David can reach the ear and heart of the Lord! Why would God strengthen him? Because God is rich in mercy and grace. David was completely broken, bringing absolutely nothing but filthy, empty hands to God.

It is not the sinlessness of our hearts that causes God to bend His ear. Sometimes we think we have to achieve God’s blessing or strength, but David shows us another way...and how much more does the Son of David offer us a freer way!

David is given assurance from the Lord that he shall have the victory over the Amalekites. But even after being given the God-backed-guarenteed win, 1/3 of David's men (200) were still too emotionally drained and physically exhausted from their 3-day (75 miles) march to Ziklag.

This might have been tremendously discouraging to David. As he pursues a significantly larger Amalekite army, he finds that one-third of his men can’t continue.

But David doesn’t let this trial stop him. His faith is being revived by the mercy of God and he continues on his battle to reclaim lost treasures!

After leaving behind 200 fighting men, he marches toward the Amalekites with a strong resolve to secure what had been lost. But then they come across a man collapsed in the wilderness.

It would have been easy, and perhaps logical, to ignore this man because they had a “much greater” mission in pursing the Amalekites. But David and his men show unexpected kindness to this man,
and they gave him bread and he ate, and they let him drink water.
A revival seems to be occuring in the heart of David!

The Egyptian man is able to lead David to the Amalekites (just like God to give him a pat on the back for meeting this one man's needs!). After assessing the situation, David clearly sees that the best strategy is to attack when all of the enemy are suffering hang overs from the victory celebration!

Everything that the enemy had taken, David took back. God gave him a complete victory. God gave David even more than what was promised. He received spoil from the battle, beyond what had been taken from Ziklag. This was blessing straight from the grace of God.

(Now, in the great battle of Christ on our behalf, He has not only given us back what we lost, but He has given us what Adam in his perfection never had. The Lord's restoration always exceeds our losses!)

After the great victory, the 400 fighting men returned to the other 200 weary men who stayed by the stuff. The worthless men looked at the spoil and said, “We fought for this spoil and it is ours.”

David looked at the spoil and said, “Look at what the Lord has given us.” When we look at it that way, how could we not share? When the Lord had given David such a great victory, he really saw it as the Lord’s victory more than his own.

In response to this spat, David declares an important principle:
the supply lines are just as vital as the soldiers are and God will compensate both “soldiers” and “supporters” properly.

The closing verses are David doing his Steps 8 & 9...he's making amends to his family and friends who were affected by his defection to the Philistines. He knows he must do whatever he can to put things right again, so he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah.

While 1 Samuel 27:1 shows us how David could fall so far short, this chapter outlines for us his journey back to the arms of God and into His will:

• David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
• David inquired of the Lord.
• David believed God’s promise.
• David did what God told him to do.
• David showed unexpected care and kindness to others.
• David saw it as the Lord’s victory.
• David shared the reward with others.
• David did what he could to mend relationships.

Merciful Restorer, teach me to encourage myself in You, to strengthen myself in You, even when my scaffolding all around me collapses. Keep the thoughts and intents of my heart solely captivated by You and Your beauties.

Another quote from Charles Spurgeon (just be thankful I don't include nearly as much as I would otherwise from him!)

“May you see your self-righteousness burned like Ziklag, and all your carnal hopes carried away captive, and may you then encourage yourselves in Christ, for He will recover all for you, and give you spoil besides, and there shall be joy and rejoicing.” (Spurgeon)

God Saving Us from Ourselves

In 1 Samuel 29, David finds himself in a place he thought he would never be: among the enemies, ready to fight against God's people over whom he was suppose to be king!

Remember, it all started two chapters ago when David said in his heart "I shall perish...there is nothing better for me."

Guardian of my heart, set a centurion over my heart and all that it contemplates.

I imagine as David sought refuge among the enemy from Saul's murderous chases, that he would have thought 1-1/2 years later he would be willing to fight against his very own people. It all started with a quest for security and stability.

Lord Jesus, I want to only thirst after You and to know You, which is eternal life.

We see David having an identity crisis. He forgot who he was - a Hebrew, a part of God's people. David would have never come to this point in his faith journey if he would have remembered who he was - a child of God destined to be the king of the Israelites (even though it did not immediately appear so!)

The Philistine leaders knew who he really was though! Even though David had forgotten for a season. The Lord is so merciful to somehow continue to use us as a testimony even while we are in the midst of making poor choices.

Father and King, help me to walk in the truth and power of who I am in Christ!

It's kind of funny to read Achish's defense of David as from a coworkers point of view in today's society. "Oh no, Deborah isn't a Christian at all, I've seen how she has lived over the last 16 months and she really is just as ordinarily selfish as the rest of us!"

Captain of my soul, protect my witness and lifestyle so that I shall never feel at home in the army of the enemy.

What a blessing! What a mericul Saviour and coordinator of events, that He would use people rejecting David (who likes to be rejected anyway?) in David's life as a means of saving him from the shame of fighting against the people he was to rule over! God does make all things work together for good!

"He shall not go up with us to the battle...as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart..."

David wanted to fight with the Philistines against Israel, but God wouldn't let him. David's heart is not in a healthy place, but God hasn't abandoned him! I praise God for the times when He kept me from sinning as bad as I wanted to sin!

Oh Blessed Deliverer! Thank You for Your mercy and protection. Thank You for the times You have orchestrated my circumstances to protect me from myself. And thank You for the times where You just strengthened me to want and choose the better way!

God Meets Us Where We Are!

And we thought David was in a bad place placing his trust in his own heart... but in 1 Samuel 28 Saul seems to be trying to one-ups-him by running to a witch for direction!

Samuel's death seems to be mentioned here to emphasize the spiritual vacuum that his absence created. It appears that this void was created by Saul ignoring the words of God that he did know.

Saul knew that God did not want him hunting David and trying to kill him. Saul confessed as much in passages such as 1 Samuel 24:16-20 and 26:21.

Yet, Saul disregarded what he knew to be God's will in this matter. I suppose if I want God to guide me, I'll need to follow what guidance I do have from Him.

Lord, help me to walk fully in all that You have shown me so that I may know more of You!

I'm impressed with Jesus praying the night before choosing His 12 disciples. As I look at Saul's servants and friends who helped him find the medium instead of attempting to dissuade him from this very wicked practice, I pray

Oh Lord, surround me with wise and confrontative friends. And help me to be such a friend!

Saul took lightly the word of God with its prohibitions (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:9-14) and promised curse (Leviticus 20:6). So simply by not taking the Word at His word, he brought upon himself a curse of God's face being set against that person.

Oh, Blessed Living Word, increase my faith to take Your word more seriously and live wholly by it.

Interesting that the last time we read Saul using the name of the Lord is to swear to a medium that she will not be punished!

Father, whose name is hallowed, keep me from taking Your name in vain and using it to my own ends.

What a merciful Father we serve! Even as Saul turns to a witch for counsel, the Lord in His great mercy and faithfulness, meets him exactly where he is.

He sends Samuel himself to warn the king of his death, so that he might have an opportunity to make his peace with his Maker. And so when we close our ears to God, He will find unusual - and perhaps uncomfortable - ways to speak to us!

Merciful Saviour, thank You for Your great patience in meeting me exactly where I am.

Strangely, though Saul knew that God would not speak to him in any other way, or through any of the other prophets, he thought that somehow or some way the godly prophet Samuel, conjured by a medium, would speak wisdom to him! Even more strangely, Samuel did! And the message hadn't changed with time - God's edict remained the same.

O King of Righteousness, work in me a thankfulness for Your ways and the power to walk steadfastly in them. I desire to talk to You as face to face, and not through any convoluted means.

Power of Discouragement in the Heart

A great big "thank you" to all who have inquired about my missing blogs. I hate to report that it is because I just didn't take the time to do it.

I'd love to whine about all the computer issues I have been having (as well as many of my friends), but I'll spare you all that and just acknowledge the graciousness with which people touched base with me to ask about it!

Hopefully in the next few days, I'll catch up to the readings where St. Philip's is at, but until then I'll just keep plugging along in 1 Samuel one chapter at a time!

Today's chapter of 1 Samuel 27 shows signs of a discouraged child of God! The pressure of constantly running from place to place one step ahead of death finally took its toll on David. In spite of the Lord's miraculous care for him, David's faith wavered and he began to entertain doubts.

Would God deliver him from the hand of Goliath, only to deliver him into the hand of Saul? No, but circumstances have a way of distorting one's outlook. Present dangers and cares often obscures the promises of God.

So David said in his heart "Now I shall perish...There is nothing better for me."

Oh the power of words, especially those which we say in our heart. What we say in our heart has great power for good or evil.

• If someone says in their heart, “God doesn’t care about me,” it will make a difference in their life.
• if someone says in their heart, “I deserve better than this,” it will make a difference in their life.
• if someone says in their heart, “I come before others,” it will make a difference in their life.

By the same principle,

• if someone says in their heart, “God loves me and I don’t have to earn His love,” it will make a difference.
• If they say in their heart, “I am grateful for every blessing I have,” it will make a difference.
• If someone says, “Others come first,” it will make difference in their life.

David did accomplish his immediate goal of escaping Saul's constant pursual of him. But now David is in a place of compromise. And though he looks quite content and secure, even finally having his own stable place (beats a camping in a cave) with his two wives to keep him company, this is a very dark period in David's life.

Interestingly, according to my chronological Bible (which orders all the verses in the Bible in the order in which they happened), there are no Psalms that were written by David during this time.

During David's 16-month stay with the Philistines, David made raids against
The Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites
David hasn’t totally turned against God and His people. For now, he only attacks the enemies of Israel. This probably gave David some comfort, but it is a small consolation to know that you aren’t as bad as you possibly could be.

In his raids, David killed all the men and the women, so his lie to Achish would not be exposed. Much later in his life, we will see a far more notorious season of sin with Bathsheba, and how he ended up killing Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to cover his sin.

Though that event is more famous, the root of sin that nourished it began right here in 1 Samuel 27. Here, many years before David killed Uriah to cover his sin, he kills these men and women in his raids to cover his sin. The roots of sin must be dealt with, or they come back with greater strength.

Remember the roots of David’s condition: this was a genuine crisis of faith, when he started trusting more in what he said in his heart (1 Samuel 27:1) than in what the Lord God said to him. David believed the lie that he was safer with the world than he was with God.

Thankfully, God did not bless David where he was at. But neither did God take away David’s calling or destiny to be the next king of Israel. God gave to David some of the mercy David showed to Saul.

Lord Jesus, gird up the my heart to be strengthened by Your words, and not the voice of circumstances and discouragement. Help me to be content to be a refuge rather than be satisfied to settle down in the enemy's territory...and show me the difference!

Saul & David's Last Encounter

Just 3 chapters ago, the Ziphites attempted to betray David into the hands of Saul...it was a failure then and it is a failure again in this chapter (1 Samuel 26).

Saul's behaviour begs the question "what does repentance look like?" I always think of Luke 17:1-5 when I am tempted to define repentance in a strict sense.

But in this case, let's just say, the Saul seems to have gone back on his previous repentance shown in chapter 24. At that time, David had opportunity to kill Saul, but did not take it.

Abishai reminds David that God has granted this opportunity yet again. This circumstance was not an accident, God designed it - and the design was for David to take righteous vengeance upon Saul.

Abishai even makes it easy for David: Please let me strike at once with the spear.

David wouldn't have to lift a finger nor in any way be a participant in the slaying of Saul. Abishai would do it, and David could say to himself and everyone else, "I did not kill Saul."

Many were the people who tried to convince David that he had more righteous reason than ever to kill Saul. Now, Saul had gone back on a previous promise to leave David alone.

When I am in David's position, I say, "I showed love and let him off once before. I'm full of love, but I'm not stupid. Saul had his chance and he blew it; this time, this opportunity is from God!"

But love, at least in the eyes of the world, will sometimes act in what the world considers to be a stupid way. Jesus said that we should forgive, and forgive, and forgive again (Matthew 18:21-22).

I would say that since Saul deserved it, it was the "right thing" to kill Saul. But if it was the "right thing," this was the "wrong way." Often when we have a right thing in front of us, we will be tempted to pursue it in a wrong way.

Jesus showed us how to refuse to pursue the right thing the wrong way. Jesus rejected Satan's shortcut to the cross. Jesus never did miracles just to promote Himself. Jesus went the way of the cross instead. Jesus shows us that God's way may be more difficult - but it is always better.

O God of Second Chances, (and 7 chances, and 70 chances), thank You for Your great patience. I pray for a David-like spirit again today. One that takes the high road despite counsel of those around me. I pray that I may be a child who represents that trait about You to others...a God of forgiveness and second chances!

Abigail's Restrains David. Holy Spirit be my Abigail!

In chapter 24 I marveled at David's restraint and strength to resist the temptation to wreak vengance against a man seeking to kill him.

In today's chapter, 1 Samuel 25, I am reminded that beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I cannot stand against the enemy of my soul unless the Lord upholds me moment by moment.

Because in today's lesson, David doesn't show Nabal the same kindness and longsuffering that he showed Saul. In just the previous chapter, we saw how David spared Saul's life, when Saul not only insulted David, but actually attacked him and tried to kill him. David was able to be victoriously kind and longsuffering to Saul, and yet, his guard cannot come down against the sin of vengance.

So this story of Nabal tells me that however long I may have been walking in recovery, or however often I may have onvercome one temptation or another, sin can strike in a single moment and crush me, unless the Lord intervene and protects.

Lord Jesus, Great Guardian of my soul, grant me David's spirit from yesterday's chapter, able to chose wisely despite the loss of a dream. Keep me from impassioned sin, and put an "Abigail" in my way whenever I strike out on a trail that will surely lead to disappointment.

"Blessed be the LORD, who has ... kept His servant from evil!”

David knew the blessing here of being kept from sin. It surely is a blessing to be forgiven our sins; but it is an even greater blessing to be kept from sin.

Reminds me of how Spurgeon once advised about the need to seek forgiveness of our sins less often if we would seek the Lord more diligently to be kept from sin to begin with.

“There is no way of keeping out the fire of sin except by having the fire of grace blazing within the spirit. We must fight fire with fire.”

Oh Consuming Fire, purify and cleanse within. Let the fire of grace blaze within my spirit and raise my thoughts and actions up to You.

Even from God's Hands...

I wonder how often faithful David dreamt about exacting revenge against that psychotic, murderous Saul.

• Thought about it,
• prayed about it,
• dreamt about it,
• plotted it...

only to erase it all from the white board of his mind, and say "Lord, Thy will be done."

1 Samuel 24 is as if the schemings and scribblings from the white board, find a way into reality. The opportunity has been granted by the hand of God for David to pursue that dreamt-for "justice."

And yet...

• Even though Saul had injusticely put David on the run...
• Even though Saul has his army pursuing David to the death...
• Even though the situation was orchestrated by the Lord...
• Even though he had the blessing and help of all those around him...
• Even though he had God's call to be tne next king of Israel...
• Even though...

David chose the harder, more noble, and apparently more disappointing path.

He could have had all of Saul (freedom, dream come true), but instead he only took a corner of the robe (continue as a fugitive).

He again erased the vengance notion from the white board of his mind, and said, "Lord, Thy will be done."

It cost David.

• He continues to be haunted and hunted.
• He continues to wander in the wilderness with just a rag tag army.
• He continues to experience the promise of God become further and further away in his life.

Oh Lord Jesus, grant a David-like Spirit in my life. One that is satisfied with only a corner of the robe, (if even that is right), and leaves the rest into Your hands!

Guided

Yesterday we heard Gad tell David to get up out of the stronghold and to go to the dangerous place where Saul lived in Judah. And if he had not pay heed, the Keliahites would not have been able to send word to request his help.

So even in the midst of crisis and trials God may still be calling us to rise up and come to the aid of others. The Lord may call us out to a more dangerous place than where we are, so we can serve and bless His people more effectively.

In 1 Samuel 23, David could have excused himself from this call for help immediately, without even seeking God. Afterall, it was Saul's job, not his own.

Or he could have seen it is a great opportunity to gain a following and usurp Saul from his kingly position by playing the hero.

But instead, David shows wisdom and inquired of the Lord.

And the Lord guides him...into more trouble. He already had one enemy in Saul, now he was just adding oil to the fire by stirring up the ire of the Philistines.

And of course, as soon as the Philistines are routed, all Israel (including that murderous king) would know where he was. But the command of God and the need of the people compelled David to endanger himself.

Saul's premises were correct:

• God did lead David to Keliah
• Being in Keliah exposed David to Saul's attack

But it was not true that the Lord had delivered him into my hand,

David was in a bad place, and he was in a bad place because the Lord led him there. Some might be angry with the Lord, and even give a “I told You this would happen!” to God. Instead, David did the right thing - he inquired of the Lord again!

Jonathan strengthened his hand in God.
Jonathan could not rescue David, but he strengthened his hand in God.
Jonathan couldn’t give David all the answers, but he strengthened his hand in God.
Jonathan couldn’t stay with David, but he strengthened his hand in God.
What a precious gift Jonathan gave David!

Saul knew that David would be the next king, that the Lord had ordained it. Yet, he fights against the will of God with everything he has. Sometimes we do the same thing; we know what God’s will is, but we oppose it by not doing it.

This was the last time David and Jonathan would ever see each other on the earth, and their relationship was still confirmed in the commitmen.

O Great Guide, thank You for Your guidance, protection and deliverance. Just as You led David, I pray that You will direct me by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You Jesus, for praying me home!

David Takes the High Road

A lot has happened in David's life in the last 6 chapters.

• After heroically slaying Goliath and
• the ensuing fame that came with it,
• David became the son-in-law of the king as well as
• best buds with the Crown Prince.
• He valiantly confronted the many dangers from the Philistines,
• survived several attempts on his life by that psychotic king Saul,
• bid farewell to his kindred spirit and confidant Jonathan, and
• then exchanged everyday life for the life of a fugitive,
• and that for an unknown period of time.
• Compound this with David's brief but intense period of backsliding,
• and his return to the Lord.

How he must have been longing for those days of shepherding!

1 Samuel 22 opens up in that cave named Refuge (Adullam).

O Lord, be my cave of Adullam in times of confusion and uncertainty!

The original motley crew! Rebels looking for a leader to guide them into an overthrow of that fraud of a king.

They may have come looking for David, who was unjustly persecuted, to utilize them to revenge himself upon Saul, but David choose to take the more difficult, yet more honorable road. There was not to be a coup d'état.

• Men in distress...their lives could scarcely bear the weight of life, nigh onto snapping.
• Men in debt...men who had not had much success in past, and those failures hampered their future, burdened by debt.
• Men discontented...or bitter of soul. Dissatisfied with life, and with Saul being their king.

“These are the kind of men who came to David: distressed, bankrupt, dissatisfied. These are the kind of people who come to Christ, and they are the only people who come to Him, for they have recognized their distress, their debt, and bankruptcy, and are conscious that they are utterly discontented. The sheer pressures of these frustrations drives them to the refuge of the blood of Christ that was shed for them.” --Alan Redpath

I wonder if, after having come to David, if they remained men described in terms of 3D's.

Though David may not have hand-picked these men, I'm sure he was thankful that when he was down and discouraged that God brought people around him to strengthen him.

Lord, You know I could be described in 3D as well. I pray You will transform my life, like David did with his men. To be changed from malcontents to mighty men of valor!

Remember in 1 Samuel 16 when Samuel come to offer sacrifices with Jesse and his family? And David was not even invited to the special visit by the prophet? Or how about the jealous snobbish way his brothers unjustly accused him in 1 Samuel 17?

Well, they seem to have finally gotten on board, his brothers even taking refuge with him in Adullam. And as David prepares for many unknown battles in the future, he first wants to take care of his parents. So he took his parents to Moab where his great-grandmother was from (Ruth 4:13-22).

What wonderful love. The he cares for his parents when he had plenty of problems of his own. I sometimes think that when I am going through trials, I have a license to be unloving and selfish. But David cared about others instead of becoming self-focused in times of trial.

Lord, let me love like David loved. Let me love like Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 13.

Later in the chapter, Gad visits with David who is holed up in a "stronghold" (perhaps Masada?!). He counsels David to leave his fortress and return to the Judean region where Saul kept his throne.

I'm sure David was hoping Gad was only tricking him and shout "NOT" at the end of all his advice...but David had to learn to trust God in the midst of danger, not merely wait out the years until Saul passed away. "Go to Judah!" I'm sure no one thought it sounded right!

Oh dear Shepherd, where You lead I want to follow. Just make it so clear where it is I am to go. And if it be through the valley of the shadow of death...so long as Thou art with me...I will go to Jerusalem where a raging lunatic seeks my life.

Just one note here on Saul's manipulative tactics (which are many).
Look at how Saul refers to David as "the son of Jesse" when talking about him to his servants. He didn’t say, “The Man Who Killed Goliath,” or “The Man Who Killed 200 Philistines,” or “The Man Anointed by God.” Akin to name-calling!

Living Word, You have taught that the tongue has the power of death and the power of life...help me spread vitality!

And as Saul's reckless paranoia continues, he even manages to think himself as a victim. Though he is the one tossing spears around looking for heads to kabob. How often I have tried to hide behind the victim-facade!

Author of Truth, grant me, I pray, heaven's perspective. Keep me in touch with Your reality and not my fears or my false peace. Let me walk in Your ways.

An Era David would just as soon Forget

1 Samuel 21 opens up with David, in leaving on a bleak road where all what is certain is behind him, and all what is uncertain is ahead of him, does a great thing -- he goes to the house of the Lord.

Lieing.
I would love to excuse David's lying here as I would have done the exact same thing, except with a bit more embellishment.

Of course he didn't want Ahimelech to inform Saul of his whereabouts, nor did he want to risk Ahimelech being harmed by having seen him.

So though David's first step was right on the mark by going to the house of the Lord, the lying took him into a maddening tailspin with devastating results discovered in 1 Samuel 22:22 (we read about Doeg in that chapter too!)

And though David may have only intended to mention a lie in passing to Ahimelech, as he told it, things began to become elaborate, to the point he even puts false words in the mouth of Saul and "my young men".

Lieing has, by nature, a snowball effect. And that alone is enough to warn us that there is no such thing as a "little white lie".

Lord Jesus, help all my words to be life-giving and encouraging. Daily, I pray Thee, keep a cenurion over my lips that will protect me from lies and complaining.

“It is painful to the last degree to see one whose faith towered to such a lofty height in the encounter with Goliath, coming down from that noble elevation, to find him resorting for self-protection to the lies and artifices of an impostor.” (Balikie)

Healthy Relationship

Well, I missed my time with God Saturday night to look over 1 Samuel 20 together. I was going to do and try two of them tonight, but because of the extremely busy weekend, and the extremely late start I'm getting on today's rendevouz, I may try to make up the chapter tomorrow instead. (Aside from the fact, my head is bobbin like a V8 piston!)

Hear Jonathan's heart towards David!

Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you.

Jonathan loved David loyally and earnestly, so much so that he could write David a blank check, and really not care what amount was put in the register.

What complete surrender and willingness. I think I will pray it daily to the Lord, all the while knowing it is the Holy Spirit who will enable me to do it!

Jonathan was the Crown prince of Israel. Everyone thought he would be the next king -- everyone except David and Jonathan. Jonathan knew that David was called by God to be the next king, and he was willing to step aside so that he would not be resisting the will of the Lord. Jonathan not only loved David, he loved the Lord God!

I admire their relationship. While David is discouraged, Jonathan continues to try and encourage him. He reassures David with words of his love for him, as well as with his help, to search the matter out for him.

A healthy spiritual relationship involves mutual blessing, such as it was between David and Jonathan. Sometimes David was stronger spiritually, and sometimes Jonathan was stronger. But there was a bond in the Lord between the men that could not be broken.

David will not return to "normal life" until Saul is dead and David is king. This is a pretty bleak road for David to walk, but it is God’s road for him. Yes, God often has His people spend at least some time on a bleak road. He wasn't out of God's will by being on the run!

Lord Jesus, whatever You Yourself wants, I give it to You. Thank You for friends who seem to have Your mind on many topics. Help me to know, that even on the bleak road of life You are there!

Just a little bonus tidbit:
"the worthiest of minds are least suspicious and most charitable in their opinions of others." Matthew Poole, 1600's Bible Commentator

Family Full of Emotions

Seems like where ever Saul is there is a wide range of emotions. 1 Samuel 19 isnt any different!

I'm struck by the conundrum Jonathan finds himself. Not only does he have a strong covenantal friendship with David, but he also has a clear understanding that David is to be the next king. But the present king is his father, who is instructing him, and all his staff, to bump-off David.

But what an encouragement it is to see Jonathan's loyalty to David. Despite the threat of his father's fury Jonathan risks warning David of Saul's plan to kill him. Jonathan took to himself the principle that "we ought to obey God rather than men...even if it is our king and our father!"

I'm sure everyone must desire to have a friend who will stick up for them with such fortitude and faithfulness. Someone to "greatly delight" in you? How thankful I am that I have such a friend in Jesus Christ!

Jonathan didn't just NOT help Saul, he proactively assisted David. He didn't play a Pilate in this deadly plot, but actually got his hands dirty to help his best friend escape from Saul's rage.

So Jonathan didn't just warn David, but he went to the king himself and interceded on David's behalf and attempted to convince Saul that he really should appreciate David and treat him well.

After Jonathan's sound reasoning brought Saul to a point of reconciliation, war breaks out again with the Philistines. And with the success of David victoriously slaughtering the Philistines, Saul's ire is resurrected.

The distressing spirit descends on Saul again, and it seems to be intimately connected to jealousy. The reason Jesus was crucified, according to Matthew, was because of envy. Oh the strength of jealousy and envy.

I would love to look more closely at Michal and the reason she protected David from her father's wrath. But an early morning tomorrow with Bill Glass Ministries is compelling me to take leave and go to bed!

If anyone is reading this before Saturday 8-3pm, please pray the prison ministry outreach. That the women there will understand a little more the joys of Jesus Christ and have their lives changed by Him.

Lord Jesus, protect me from jealousy, envy and any other negative emotion that can create irrational and deadly thoughts. Thank You for the kind of faithfulness and love that protects us from all the wiles of the enemy.

In God's Hands...Peace!

Though I do so enjoy today's chapter of 1 Samuel 18, I will be compelled to make a short entry today on it, since I'm hoping to get a good night's sleep tonight before heading to Austin this weekend.

I cherish the friendship between David and Jonathan.

We know Jonathan to be a hero in his own right who had great confidence in God (chapter 14), so it only seems suitable that he should be knit to the soul of David after seeing him take vengeance on the Philistine who defied God!

• They were both bold.
  
• They both had great trust in God.
  
• They both were men of action.
  
• They were from the same generation.
  

Because these two young men were of one mind spiritually, they could share the same armor. Saul's was too weighty, but Jonathan and David were on the same page, with the same pure motive to serve God.

Jonathan chose David for a friend after he heard him reveal his heart to Saul. Perhaps David's longing for God's glory rang true to Jonathan as well. And at that point, Jonathan probably knew that David would be the next king of Israel.

All the tokens given to David by Jonathan is more than just tokens of love. It was a handing over, a surrendering of the kingdom to David. 

Jonathan being the son of the king, was everyone's expectation to be king of Israel. But Jonathan must have discerned, that David was God's man.

I love that they made a covenant of friendship that would prove stronger than jealousy, stronger than envy, stronger than ambition or parental disapproval. 

They loved each other more than the throne of Israel, because they loved the Lord more than the throne of Israel!

So Jonathan knew that the heir to the throne to the King of Israel was in God's hands, and he had peace with that!

Saul on the other hand, knew the same thing about the throne going to someone other than his son, yet he responded so differently...fueled by envy. 

He attempted to skewer David once, and shishkabob him another time. He then schemed to have David thrust into a deadly battle, but God was his shield and protected him in all he did.

Did you notice that? 

David escaped his presence twice:

Perhaps the most remarkable word in this chapter is twice. 

This means that Saul threw the spear twice. 

This means that Saul missed twice. 

This means that after the first miss, David came back and played again!

This is where many of us will draw the line. “Look, I’ll sit with the bulls-eye on my chest once, and I’ll dodge the spear. I’ll even leave the spear on floor and resist the temptation to throw it back. But one spear whizzing by my head is enough. One miss and I’ve paid my dues. Once is submission to the Lord. Twice is stupidity!”

Gene Edwards, in his wonderful book Tale of Three Kings, says that David understood something that few of even the wisest men in David’s day understood, and even fewer today. 

David understood that “God did not have, but wanted very much to have, men who would live in pain. God wanted a broken vessel.”

“In doing this small feat of returning thrown spears, you will prove many things. 

You are courageous. 

You stand for the right. 

You boldly stand against the wrong. 

You are tough and can’t be pushed around. 

You will not stand for injustice or unfair treatment. 

You are the defender of the faith, 

the keeper of the flame, 

detector of all heresy. 

You will not be wronged. 

All of these attributes then combine to prove that you are also obviously a candidate for kingship. 

Yes, perhaps you are the Lord’s anointed.... 

After the order of King Saul.”

David was never a victim. He looked like a victim, because he was attacked. When there are spears stuck in the wall behind you, and laying about on the floor, you sure look like a victim!

But David behaved wisely in all his ways, so he did not give into the victim’s state of mind, thinking that his fate was in the hands of the one attacking him. David knew his fate was in God’s hands, and could have peace in that.

Lord Jesus, thank You for wonderful, life-giving friends and a wonderful church family. I pray You will assist me to know what it is to have the circumstances of my fate in Your hands...and to have peace with it!

Giants CAN BE Slain!

The chapter for today, 1 Samuel 17, could possibly be one of the best known Old Testament stories.

Goliath, was anywhere from 8’5” to 9’2” with armor and weapons to match his size. And he spoke such demoralizing and fear-producing challenges, that the Israelites were defeat by words alone. 

Oh the power of words, Lord let me bring life with them!

Forty days (40 is the number for testing and trials...try to think of a few examples!) of listening to the Philistines scorn and challenge. I can hardly bear 30 seconds of listening to my old tapes that resound with Goliath-type words. 

Jesus Christ, grant me to partake of the sweet words of grace that fall from Your mouth.

[Trinka, do you know that verse in Isaiah that talks about His words being trained and His lips sweet or gracious...I'm without my Sword here]

The situation had become so desperate, the Saul needed to offer a bribe -

• a cash award,
  
• a princess, and
  
• a tax exemption -
  

to induce someone, anyone to fight and win against Goliath.

And though the Lord may kindly give fringe benefits for doing things His way, what purity of heart there is if we can arise to the occasion focused alone on the reputation of the Children of God and the honor of the living God. 

Living Fire, You say blessed are the pure in heart, and I confess it can't reside in me save You put it there. Consume all impurities and refine until it pure gold You see in me.

He saw the problem in spiritual terms, not in material or fleshly terms.
When the men of Israel said, “This man,”
David said, “This uncircumcised Philistine.”

When the men of Israel said, “Surely he has come up to defy Israel,”
David said, “That he should defy the armies of the living God.”

When the men of Israel said, “The man who kills him,”
David said, “The man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel.”

David saw things from the Lord’s perspective, but the men of Israel saw things only from man’s perspective.

Father, there are many trials in life where I'm stuck seeing them through man's perspective, (and I even have plenty of friendly eyeballs sharing that same perspective). But show me Your view point, Your perspective, especially when it comes to the giants in my life.

What a Cinderella Story this is! Even his brothers snarl at him!

There is no doubt that what his oldest brother Eliab said hurt David, but he would not let it hinder him.

What have I done now? Is there not a cause?

What helped David to nearly ignore his brother's jabs? He was more concerned with God’s cause (Is there not a cause?) than with his own feelings.

When David was misunderstood and rebuked, publicly, by his own brother, probably amid the laughs of the other soldiers, he could have blown it. But he showed the strength of God in his life, and replied rightly. 

He didn’t care about his glory or success, but only for the glory and success of the Lord’s cause. 

This is where the battle was won for David! If Eliab’s hurtful words can get David in the flesh, and out of the flow of the Spirit of the Lord, then David’s strength is gone. But when David ruled his spirit and answered softly, he was more in step with the Spirit of the Lord than ever. 

Father, help me to see every hurt, even the seemingly little ones, as opportunities to walk in the Spirit and strengthen me for larger victorie

David seems to be increasing in boldness as the story progresses.

• First, he said someone should fight Goliath.
  
• Then he said he would fight Goliath.
  
• Then he reports to Saul, he will beat Goliath!
  
• And now he tells Goliath that he will kill him him, and
• even adds for emphasis, "I will strike you and down and take your head!"
  

Jehovah, I pray that each baby step I take towards You and away from evil, will strengthen and embolden me more and more.

I remember after reading David Brainerd's biography, a godly missionary in the times of Jonathan Edwards (1700's), that I thought to employ his methods of godliness in hopes it would do my heart good. 

So I attempted to pray the hours he prayed and when he prayed. It was an absolute utter failure. His armor did not fit me at all. 

Or once a prominent homeschooling administrator and teacher convinced me that classical music would enhance my study time. And I can say, as I mull this passage over today to the tune of some techno music, his armor didn't fit me either! 

Dear Captain of my soul, I pray You'll be the One who suits me up to face my Goliath's and not my admiration of others or the lust for people to think me spiritual because of how my armor looks!

David took the head of the Philistine. He made certain he was dead!

Lord Jesus preserve me from the error of messing around with my sin and spiritual enemy. Help me to slay each temptation...to the death.

David’s victory over Goliath is a “picture in advance” of the victory Jesus won for us.

i. Both David and Jesus represented their people. Whatever happened to the representative would happen to God’s people also.

ii. Both David and Jesus fought the battle on ground that rightfully belonged to God’s people, ground that they had lost.

iii. Both David and Jesus fought when their enemy was able to dominate the people of God through fear and intimidation alone.

iv. Both David and Jesus were sent to the battleground by their father (1 Samuel 17:17).

v. Both David and Jesus were scorned and rejected by their own brethren.

vi. Both David and Jesus fought the battle without concern with human strategies or conventional wisdom.

vii. Both David and Jesus won the battle, but saw that their enemies did not then give up willingly.

viii. Both David and Jesus fought a battle where the victory was assured even before it started.

Thank You Conqueror of my Soul, that Your love has captured me and taken me prison by the bonds of grace! I pray that everyone who faces a giant in their lives will experience a David-like victory because of what the battle You won on Calvary!

Charles Spurgeon cannot be ignored, for I've it heard it said (as I am saying it all the time!) that "a Spurgeon sermon a day, keeps the blues away!"

“Immediately before the encounter with the Philistine he fought a battle which cost him far more thought, prudence, and patience. The word-battle in which he had to engage with his brothers and with king Saul, was a more trying ordeal to him than going forth in the strength of the Lord to smite the uncircumcised boaster. Many a man meets with more trouble from his friends than from his enemies; and when he has learned to overcome the depressing influence of prudent friends, he makes short work of the opposition of avowed adversaries.” (Spurgeon)

Hearing the Word of the Lord

Just picture Saul in yesterday's chapter (1 Samuel 15) clinging to Samuel's robe pleading for a blessing. The robe tore.
So too the thing he loved and idolized the most was clutched in his stubborn and prideful fist. That idol was torn.

God seems to be putting His finger on an object in my life that I might be clinging to a bit too much to. 

God give me open hands, I pray.

In the opening verses of today's chapter (1 Samuel 16) we see Samuel still mourning over Saul's failure. Oh how our enemy would want us to remain trapped in mourning over the tragedies of the past. To be stuck there, unable to move on with the Lord.

Jesus, lead me onward and upward, I pray.

The way God deals with Samuel's fear of Saul is very gracious; and it is a great example of what is meant by "Be wise as serpents but innocent as doves."

Though Samuel may have looked a tad weak in fearing for his life from Saul, I'm so impressed and moved by his actions in the remaining verses.
God tells him that

"I have provided Myself a king among the sons of Jesse."

Yet, the seven sons of Jesse are all reviewed and none of them are the chosen one by God. No one volunteered that there was yet another. For some reason, none thought it important for David to be attending the sacrifices!

And yet...Samuel knew God's word was true, he knew there must be another son of Jesse who was not at the sacrificial feast. And so he asked:

Are all the young men here?

Samuel was a prophet, and knew how to trust the word of the Lord given to him.

• I would have said, "I guess the Lord was wrong when He told me it would be one of Jesse's sons," but he didn't say that.
  
• I might have said, "It has to be one of these seven sons, so pass them by me again," but he didn't say that.
  
• Most probably I would have said, "I totally misunderstood the Lord. I'm reading way too much into my inner thoughts," but he didn't say that!
  

He had confidence in the word of the Lord!

We are getting a glimpse at the low regard David seems to have in his family. 

• Jesse doesn't even answer Samuel with David's name, but simply says, "there remains the youngest."
  
• And how is it that one of the sons should be counted dispensable from the congregation of those offering sacrifices with that prophet of God Samuel? Why wasn't David invited?
  
• Would David had ever made it to see Samuel, if Samuel, hearing the word of God in his heart, did not insist that he be brought?
  

1 Samuel 13:14 describes David this way

The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord had commanded him to be commander over His people.

God’s choice of David shows that

• We don’t have to quit our jobs and enter into full-time ministry to be people after God’s own heart.
  
• We don’t need to be famous or prominent to be people after God’s own heart.
  
• We don’t need to be respected or even liked by others to be people after God’s own heart.
  
• We don’t need status, influence, power, the respect or approval of men, or great responsibilities to be people after God’s own heart.
  

David did not have to manipulate his way into the palace or into Saul’s favor. He allowed the Lord to open the doors for him. David didn’t have to wonder, “Is this of the Lord or is of me?” because he let the Lord open the doors for him.

I fear manipulating things so much that I often neglect that which should be rightfully pursued.

Lord, grant discernment. Let me discover that beautiful balance between manipulation and total neglect.

And just a little excerpt from my all-time favorite preacher, Charles Spurgeon,

“David was none of your strutting peacocks who cannot be content unless all eyes are upon them; he sang God’s praises as the nightingale will sing in the dark when no human ear is listening and no eye is admiring. He was content to bloom unseen, knowing that the sweetness of a renewed heart is never wasted on the desert air. He was satisfied with God alone as his auditor, and he coveted not the high opinion of man.”

The Great Swearer

Well, we find out that Saul was doing more than just "sitting under the pomegranate tree" in today's reading of the rest of the chapter of 1 Samuel 14:24-52. He was busy making as if he was doing something...by being a great swearer!

Can't you just picture him there in the middle of the corporate meeting with all the religious folks and what not, without a plan, and yet saying:

Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.

I mean verse 16 tells us the only reason Saul even goes out to meet his enemies, is because the watchmen were observing the results of what Jonathan had done.

On a day when God is routing the confused army, Saul had to get in there and put the emphasis on himself (and all in the name of spirituality...just a clue...we'll be seeing this modus operandi from him again)

....until I have taken vengeance on my enemies.

Even in the midst of something and Godward as fasting should be, Saul manages to put the focus on himself, not the Lord!

Is Saul, by this curse he has placed on everyone, being manipulative and yet again robbing his son the credit due his name?

On a day when the morale of Israel should have been the highest and the physical energy of the men the strongest...the army was "distressed", "fear", "faint", "troubled", "very faint", "sinning". All because of Saul's facade in the form of spiritual swearing.

An opportunity to partake of the goods from the land flowing with milk and honey by the hand of God on a day of victory...and yet!

Right in front of the eyes of the weary soldiers of Israel! They want the honey. They need the honey. God provided the honey. But a foolish, legalistic command from Saul kept it from them. How this must have discouraged and embittered the soldiers!

As a result of trying to adhere to Saul's foolish legalistic command, the people were so hungry that they broke God's clearly declared command (Deut 12:16, 23-25; Lev. 3:17; 17:10-14; 19:26; Gen. 9:4) in regards to the bleeding of the animals.

I certainly don't want to excuse the people for their hand in this sin regarding the blood, but what about a little ownership from Saul regarding his provocation of it? Instead he wags his finger at them with a sneering "tsk, tsk, tsk" as it were

You people have dealt treacherously

When Saul consults the Lord, the Lord does not answer him.
So what would you do?
What would I do?

Saul, in his ever impatient self (are you listening Deborah?) takes matters into his own hands and makes yet another crazy oath:

For as the Lord lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die

(I suppose he's going to blame this oath on the Lord for being late, like he blamed chapter 13's sin on Samuel for being late)

and again, he swears:

God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan

Have ever so many "so-help-me-God, cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die, stick-a-needle-in-my-eye" kind of promises been made in a single day?
And have so many of those "swearings" been so wrong?

Lord, Saul can keep his highly spiritual legalism, I pray that You will deliver me, and then preserve me from such a facade. I want the real Spirituality that comes from a relationship with You. That I may have patience to wait on Your answer rather than moving forward with holy-sounding ideas.

Also, I pray I may be like Jonathan, partaking from the sweet honey You have provided in Your Word and become strengthened by it to slaughter more of my sinful temptations, and enlightened by it to walk in the way of victory. You are so patient.

No More Excuses!

Today's reading, if you follow the 3-Year Reading Plan along with St. Philip's is 1 Samuel 14:1-23. And despite the stolen glory from yesterday's exploits in chapter 13, Jonathan is still determined to free God's people from the oppression of the Philistines.

So Jonathan makes what most would deem as a rash and foolish decision to confront the Philistines himself with his armor-bearer. It was not just social suicide (see Ruth 1) but physical suicide to boot!

And what can be said of his armor bearer? Two lessons immediately come to mind:

1) He had such implicit trust in Jonathan, that he was willing to risk his very life to follow him into this apparently definite losing situation.

I'm challenged by Jonathan's assistant's willingness to trust a man with his very life, and yet I hesitate to show that same kind of trust in God...with every aspect of my life. Do I have as much faith in God's judgment and direction as the armor bearer did in Jonathan?

2) God was going to use Jonathan, but He wasn’t going to use Jonathan alone. Almost always, when God uses a person, He calls others around that person to support and help them. They are just as important in getting God’s work done as the person God uses.

So, if you can’t be a Jonathan, then find a Jonathan - and attach yourself to him as like Jonathan’s armor bearer. Be an encourager to the Jonathans around you!


Another irony of this story is

"Jonathan boldly goes over to the Philistine garrison"

while his father

"Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree"

(I imagine him having a productive corporate meeting, I'm sure!)

Oh Lord, make me like Jonathan, "be up and be doing" rather than like the slothful man who talks himself to death.

It seems to me that Jonathan's secrecy in going over to the enemy's stronghold only confirms that he is not doing this out of personal glory to vindicate his name from yesterday's chapter.

Looking at the situation, he probably realized if he had run it by his pop, Saul would have said "no" and given a million excuses why it is not the right path to take.

But Jonathan felt called, and entrusted his armor-bearer with his strategy. They were both 100% committed to the call of God for deliverance.

For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few:

What wise courage in God! I believe this as a theological truth. But do I believe it enough to do something? Or am I like Saul who did not engage in battle until it seemed like a "sure thing". It seems he is so afraid to fail, that he didn't want to do anything. Me too :-(

Then after God answered the sign to Jonathan, what must his heart have felt? The jubilation of it all! Or was it rather the temptation to quit or ignore the sign?

It was a steep long climb to get up to the Philistines, a perfectly good excuse not to go up (at least in my book!)

But Jonathan got on "his hands and knees and climbed!"

Lord help me to either be a Jonathan full of bold trust, or an armor-bearer who is willing to support those who valiantly go forward against all logic, rationalization and reason. And grant that just as both Jonathan and his assistant undertoke the hardship to get down on their hands and knees to climb, that I too would find myself empower by You to do likewise.

Excuses, Excuses!

Well, I had a slumber party last night at a friend's house and missed the opportunity to spread 1 Samuel 13 before the Lord. So we'll do that this morning!

This is the first time we read of that brave, sensitive, amiable man, Saul's son, named Jonathan.

Not surprisingly, he is introduced taking the initiative to protect the Israelites from their enemy the Philistines. He could clearly see that there was something more for the children of God than the peace of being a subjected people under their enemies.

He was certainly a can-do kind of guy, not spending much of his time in corporate meetings discussing the need or the possible solutions, but just getting out there and doing it! He's in the same camp as Biblical Deborah...definitely not a procrastinator.

And what a bee's nest Jonathan did stir! As soon as he starts trying to break from the bondage of life, everyone get's in a cafuffle and makes things harder for him and the Israelites than they were before. They end up in caves, rocks, holes and pits. (that's a cost to consider if you plan on breaking from harmful habits and old chains)

Verse four is a little disconcerting:

All Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines.

There's Saul taking credit from his son. Insecurity is starting to seep into this man's life.

I'm so prone to this sin, of taking credit for things I had no part of it, that I've kind of reacted to the other side of refusing credit for even things that I may be a part of. I think if I have to error on one side or the other, I'll stay right where I am.

Interesting isn't it, where this simple little lie (not correcting the rumor that it wasn't him who attacked the garrison) led him to sin in other areas of his life.

From not redirecting the praise to the appropriate person, to actually engaging in sacrifices which, in the Old Testament, can only be mediated by a priest. The Lord is very specific. And Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, did not even come close to qualifying.

Look at poor Saul, seeing the logic in striking against the Philistines quickly, he dares to engage in the activities of a priest. And in his little pea brain, it makes perfect sense.

• We need to attack now.
• People are losing heart and
• need a rallying cry.
• We need God on our side.
• Samuel is running late.
• I don't want to be a procrastinator!

And off he goes, doing his own thing according to his own logic!

I'm plagued with the question arising from his actions "can there be any devotion in disobedience?"

Samuel gives Saul an opportunity to repent by asking "What have you done?"

Instead of confessing and repenting he starts to give excuses why it was "impossible" to trust in God in this situation.

"I had to do something to impress the people and gain their support back."
And I'm sure there were many Israelites who admired Saul for offering the sacrifice. "My, there's a man of action! He gets things done! I never understood why the priests were so special anyway."

"You see Samuel, it was really your fault. If you would have kept your word and come earlier, I wouldn't have needed to do this." Is there ever a time that someone else's sin (even if Samuel was totaly in the wrong) justifies our own?

"We really needed God's help against the Philistines and we needed it now...so I HAD to do it." Of all the avenues available to the general population to cry out to God, why did he engage in the one thing he must not do: offer a sacrifice?

"I FELT compelled." A great example of why we ought not to be ruled by our feelings.

Was God's judgment on Saul's sacrifice, an over-reaction to what some might think was a rather small sin? “To disobey God in the smallest matter is sin enough: there can be no little sin, because there is no little God to sin against.” (John Trapp)

Lord, I don't want to engage in anything, bad or good, that isn't Your plan for me. Protect me from my excuses and deliver me from the dominion of my Feelings.

One Wrong Turn Does Not Disqualify

Reading of Samuel's legacy in 1 Samuel 12 during the hubbub of primaries and elections, makes me wonder, who, at the end of their term (much less their whole life) would be able to invite people to report of any wrong-doings in his reign, and have everyone in, in one accord, declare...

“You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand.”

This is a priceless testimony for any leader. How precious to stand before your own people, and to hear them affirm the integrity of your leadership!

But the more personal and comforting word from this passage is how Samuel wanted it clearly known that it was not his idea to appoint a king over Israel. This idea began in the hearts of Israel, not in the heart and mind of God. Yet God allowed it, and even directed its execution. But it was the voice of the people that prompted it.

So even after this blatant disobedience in their desire for a king, Samuel presents Israel with an important choice. If they would fear the Lord and serve Him, God could still bless them.

One wrong turn had not put them out of God’s plan forever. Yes, Israel should have never sought a human king. But now they had one, Samuel simply calls them to serve the Lord where they are at now.

We need to know that one wrong turn doesn’t wreck our lives before God! Instead of agonizing over the past, we can get right with God today. I choose to fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice today. God will bring good even out of yesterday’s wrong turn.

So just as Samuel puts the choice before Israel after they had made a wrong turn, we face the same fork in the road. On one side is submission to God and obedience; on the other is rebellion and disobedience.

Eventually, after it is all said and done, Israel sees their sin of wanting a king. They see it too late; if only they had realized it in 1 Samuel 8, when Samuel first warned them!

Now they are stuck with a king, yet God can still turn it for good if Israel will repent and seek the Lord. The Lord is well-able to get us on the His path of righteousness no matter where we are coming from.

And though Samuel did not minimize Israel’s sin, he does not want them to dwell on the sin of the past. He wanted themto get on walking with the Lord today.

The Living Bible puts it this way:

Make sure now that you worship the Lord with true enthusiasm, and that you don’t turn your back on Him in any way. We can’t do anything about yesterday, and at the present moment we can’t serve God tomorrow. At the present moment, all we can do is not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all
your heart.

Satan would love for us to live in the past or in the future; to do anything but serve the Lord with all we have right now!

Gracious God, thank You for Your unending patience and Your gracious power that will help me return to You no matter where I find myself today. I pray You will help me to live in the present moment...not grieving and groaning over yesterdsay's sin, nor fearing or fretting over tomorrow's problems. I agree with Samuel when he said "What great things You have done for me!"