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When you get down, do you know how to get back up again? Taking two chapters at a time here gives us a great opportunity to see the difference between David and Saul one last time. David was locked into the worst corner he had even been in. His men had been on his side through the chases and the caves, but now even they have turned away from him, creating the perfect picture of isolation that so many leaders experience. David, as leader has become the enemy and target of both the men in front of him and the men behind him.
Saul had had these moments also. Though he was quite often successful, it seemed that each time he stumbled; he didn’t get back up. Or when he did, he was smaller than before. David, seemed to grow through each challenge where Saul seemed to shrink.
David finds his strength in God and then inquires of God for leadership. The men behind David needed to see that they weren’t just following David, but they were following David as David followed Yahweh. His trust in God was like a weight on the other side of the seesaw that was simply heavier than David’s failure’s and disappointment, lifting him up and enabling him to give his men what they needed: selfless, courageous leadership.
Do you know how to find strength in your God? Do you know how to inquire of Him? Everybody is called to lead forward through difficult times, and everyone will face a point where it seems like there are enemies in front and behind. Christians learn how to find strength from their God in the grace of Jesus and to find courage from their God in the new life, in the resurrection of Jesus.
Posted by Marc Lucenius
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
1 Samuel 29: God's Faithfulness
“I know that you are as good in my sight as an angel of God” (v. 9). Wow! What a compliment! These were the words of King Achish of the Philistines to David. Remember that Goliath had been a Philistine. But the pagan king saw the virtue in David even though his brethren found the Hebrews contemptible or at least untrustworthy (v. 3).
We have an inverted military alliance here: David joining with the Philistines in opposition to the army of Israel. This is especially confusing in light of the fact that David had previously refused to take Saul’s life. So what was going on?
It seems that David had a crisis of faith. He had left Israel to escape from Saul (I Sam. 27:1-2). And now he would even go to war against the Saul-led army when he had twice refused to take action against Saul personally. It’s hard to understand all of this, but it appears that God was blessing David even in the midst of his faith crisis by denying him an ungodly military campaign against Israel.
So what we draw from this somewhat confusing narrative can be that 1) God will accomplish his will even in the face of our disobedience, 2) God can protects us from further sin even while we are in sin, and 3) the righteousness of God can still shine through even our own disobedience.
This is a difficult passage. Let’s take away to be careful of spiritual alliances, stay faithful and to realize that if the Lord is thwarting our plans it may be because we are starting from the wrong side of the battlefield. In all things God is good to us. That is a comfort to us even in our errors.
Posted by Aaron Martin
We have an inverted military alliance here: David joining with the Philistines in opposition to the army of Israel. This is especially confusing in light of the fact that David had previously refused to take Saul’s life. So what was going on?
It seems that David had a crisis of faith. He had left Israel to escape from Saul (I Sam. 27:1-2). And now he would even go to war against the Saul-led army when he had twice refused to take action against Saul personally. It’s hard to understand all of this, but it appears that God was blessing David even in the midst of his faith crisis by denying him an ungodly military campaign against Israel.
So what we draw from this somewhat confusing narrative can be that 1) God will accomplish his will even in the face of our disobedience, 2) God can protects us from further sin even while we are in sin, and 3) the righteousness of God can still shine through even our own disobedience.
This is a difficult passage. Let’s take away to be careful of spiritual alliances, stay faithful and to realize that if the Lord is thwarting our plans it may be because we are starting from the wrong side of the battlefield. In all things God is good to us. That is a comfort to us even in our errors.
Posted by Aaron Martin
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
1 Samuel 28: Spiritism and God
Ministry Opportunity: We are looking for an editor and a web page designer for the Bible in Everyday Life Blog. The editor is tasked with correcting errors and putting polish on the blog postings before uploading them to web site. The web designer will keep the page looking fresh, adding relevant resources to assist people in their Spiritual life. If you have any questions, please contact Marc Lucenius (mlucenius@willowdalechapel.org) or Aaron Miner (aaminer@hotmail.com).
In this chapter we have one of the most curious accounts in the whole Bible. It is, I believe, the only time that there is direct communication between the living and the dead. There is dialogue with spirits recorded in other places and there is the story of the rich man and Lazarus, wherein Jesus made us privy to a conversation between a man in hell and Abraham. But as for direct communication between the living and the dead—a true act of necromancy—this is the only story.
Different views exist about whether the medium consulted by Saul had regular communication with the dead or was a fraud who stumbled upon this divine act. Regardless, there was a real apparition of Samuel and true chilling words that came from his mouth.
Why would Saul, who in verse 3 is described as having put the mediums and spiritists out of the land, himself go to a medium for advice? The answer can be found in the awful judgment that God had sent upon Saul: the word of the LORD had departed from him and become his enemy! He simply had nowhere else to turn for advice. So in a perverted attempt to reverse God’s irrevocable judgment, he repairs to the house of a diviner to wrestle from the dead prophet a word from God. And O did he get it! Samuel reiterated to him that the judgment first pronounced in chapter 15, verse 26 was in full force and effect. What more terrible pronouncement from a prophet of God could be uttered against a living man?
There is a dark humor in the words of Samuel to Saul when he asks why Saul has disturbed him (v. 15). Samuel had suffered the oppression of Saul for years, and now, even in death, he was still not rid of this blasphemer! (Side note: God sometimes call us to extraordinary of service to Him, even interruption of the bliss of paradise for a post-mortem rebuke of an ungodly king.)
We recently heard at church about the dangers of dabbling in the occult. Resort to spiritism is harshly condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. A Christian should have no part of the occult. In contrast with the spiritual desperation of the world, we have the Holy Spirit of God who guides our thoughts into all wisdom (Jn. 16:13). Any act that seeks wisdom from a spirit other than the Holy Spirit is an act of rebellion. And come to think of it, Samuel himself warned Saul that rebellion was the equivalent of witchcraft (I Sam. 15:23).
There is much more that could be said about this chapter, but let it suffice that we be reminded that witchcraft, although abhorrent, is no sort of special sin into which we could fall, although perhaps more destructive to our physical bodies (viz. Mk. 5:1-5). Any rebellion against God is equivalent to witchcraft and injures our souls. And of this warning from Samuel we should take heed.
Posted by Aaron Martin
In this chapter we have one of the most curious accounts in the whole Bible. It is, I believe, the only time that there is direct communication between the living and the dead. There is dialogue with spirits recorded in other places and there is the story of the rich man and Lazarus, wherein Jesus made us privy to a conversation between a man in hell and Abraham. But as for direct communication between the living and the dead—a true act of necromancy—this is the only story.
Different views exist about whether the medium consulted by Saul had regular communication with the dead or was a fraud who stumbled upon this divine act. Regardless, there was a real apparition of Samuel and true chilling words that came from his mouth.
Why would Saul, who in verse 3 is described as having put the mediums and spiritists out of the land, himself go to a medium for advice? The answer can be found in the awful judgment that God had sent upon Saul: the word of the LORD had departed from him and become his enemy! He simply had nowhere else to turn for advice. So in a perverted attempt to reverse God’s irrevocable judgment, he repairs to the house of a diviner to wrestle from the dead prophet a word from God. And O did he get it! Samuel reiterated to him that the judgment first pronounced in chapter 15, verse 26 was in full force and effect. What more terrible pronouncement from a prophet of God could be uttered against a living man?
There is a dark humor in the words of Samuel to Saul when he asks why Saul has disturbed him (v. 15). Samuel had suffered the oppression of Saul for years, and now, even in death, he was still not rid of this blasphemer! (Side note: God sometimes call us to extraordinary of service to Him, even interruption of the bliss of paradise for a post-mortem rebuke of an ungodly king.)
We recently heard at church about the dangers of dabbling in the occult. Resort to spiritism is harshly condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. A Christian should have no part of the occult. In contrast with the spiritual desperation of the world, we have the Holy Spirit of God who guides our thoughts into all wisdom (Jn. 16:13). Any act that seeks wisdom from a spirit other than the Holy Spirit is an act of rebellion. And come to think of it, Samuel himself warned Saul that rebellion was the equivalent of witchcraft (I Sam. 15:23).
There is much more that could be said about this chapter, but let it suffice that we be reminded that witchcraft, although abhorrent, is no sort of special sin into which we could fall, although perhaps more destructive to our physical bodies (viz. Mk. 5:1-5). Any rebellion against God is equivalent to witchcraft and injures our souls. And of this warning from Samuel we should take heed.
Posted by Aaron Martin
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
1 Samuel 27: All's Fair?
Ministry Opportunity: We are looking for an editor and a web page designer for the Bible in Everyday Life Blog. The editor is tasked with correcting errors and putting polish on the blog postings before uploading them to web site. The web designer will keep the page looking fresh, adding relevant resources to assist people in their Spiritual life. If you have any questions, please contact Marc Lucenius (mlucenius@willowdalechapel.org) or Aaron Miner (aaminer@hotmail.com).
Ever have to face something over and over again without seeing an end to the conflict? I’m sure we all have. That’s David in his embittered battle with King Saul. Time and time again David had opportunity to take Saul out, to finish him off and end his life. But he realizes that Saul was God’s anointed and chose time and again not to take matters into his own hands. So this chapter finds David tired and worn out. He’s at a point where his reasoning is I just gotta get away from Saul. He’s going to take my life, I’m tired and I just can’t take it anymore. And with these thoughts he takes off, leaves Israel and settles in the land of the Philistines.
While there, he and his 600 men settled in Gath. Now Saul realizing David had fled, no longer searched for David and David lived in Philistine territory for sixteen months. Now Achish king of Gath welcomed him as a servant figuring he was an enemy of Saul. But David continuously raided (v. 8) the Philistines but led Achish to believe that he was attacking outposts of Israelite territory.
David’s loyalty never waned. It was always clear that his allegiance was to God and His people. His time in the land of the Philistines was a time where his enemies were being eliminated right under the nose of the king of Gath. In fact, Achish says David has so violated Israel that they would hate him and concludes David would be his servant forever. David’s tactics while not all that comfortable to some of us, realizing his deception and his conquests led him to lie and kill seem to have been necessary. The enemies of Israel were enemies of God. David dared never to be an enemy of the living God. Making the choice he made, to leave Israel and live for a time among his enemies, created a situation where he had to survive.
If you find yourself facing something that just seems to not have an end in sight, where someone or something is after you and you just can’t get relief, run to God. David’s time in the land of the Philistines was a time of deception and death. A time of difficulty because he reasoned Saul would have him killed. But the truth is God had ordained him the next king. Somewhere we have to realize that he was God’s anointed. And while he didn’t have all the answers to how he was going to continue to survive Saul’s attacks running away to live among your fiercest rivals and enemies doesn’t seem to be the right choice, does it? When you’re facing trouble, learn to trust God. When you’re facing doubt, learn to believe He is who He says He is. We doubt and we lack trust when we rely on ourselves. God can get us out of trouble, but often we bring it on ourselves. Be wise in your decisions, and be wise in your choices.
Posted by Joe Stecz
Ever have to face something over and over again without seeing an end to the conflict? I’m sure we all have. That’s David in his embittered battle with King Saul. Time and time again David had opportunity to take Saul out, to finish him off and end his life. But he realizes that Saul was God’s anointed and chose time and again not to take matters into his own hands. So this chapter finds David tired and worn out. He’s at a point where his reasoning is I just gotta get away from Saul. He’s going to take my life, I’m tired and I just can’t take it anymore. And with these thoughts he takes off, leaves Israel and settles in the land of the Philistines.
While there, he and his 600 men settled in Gath. Now Saul realizing David had fled, no longer searched for David and David lived in Philistine territory for sixteen months. Now Achish king of Gath welcomed him as a servant figuring he was an enemy of Saul. But David continuously raided (v. 8) the Philistines but led Achish to believe that he was attacking outposts of Israelite territory.
David’s loyalty never waned. It was always clear that his allegiance was to God and His people. His time in the land of the Philistines was a time where his enemies were being eliminated right under the nose of the king of Gath. In fact, Achish says David has so violated Israel that they would hate him and concludes David would be his servant forever. David’s tactics while not all that comfortable to some of us, realizing his deception and his conquests led him to lie and kill seem to have been necessary. The enemies of Israel were enemies of God. David dared never to be an enemy of the living God. Making the choice he made, to leave Israel and live for a time among his enemies, created a situation where he had to survive.
If you find yourself facing something that just seems to not have an end in sight, where someone or something is after you and you just can’t get relief, run to God. David’s time in the land of the Philistines was a time of deception and death. A time of difficulty because he reasoned Saul would have him killed. But the truth is God had ordained him the next king. Somewhere we have to realize that he was God’s anointed. And while he didn’t have all the answers to how he was going to continue to survive Saul’s attacks running away to live among your fiercest rivals and enemies doesn’t seem to be the right choice, does it? When you’re facing trouble, learn to trust God. When you’re facing doubt, learn to believe He is who He says He is. We doubt and we lack trust when we rely on ourselves. God can get us out of trouble, but often we bring it on ourselves. Be wise in your decisions, and be wise in your choices.
Posted by Joe Stecz
1 Samuel 26: Honoring God
Isn’t it easy to find ways to worship and honor God when we watch a beautiful sunset at the end of a productive and successful day? We feel God’s presence and are filled with gratitude. In those moments, we often find ourselves resolving to lead more obedient and selfless lives. We promise again to honor God in all that we do and turn our lives over to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
What about all the other times? What if you were forcibly separated from your family and your friends…and forced to live in the desert…and the king was enraged at you…and an army was tracking you down…to kill you? Surely, in times like those, it would be wise to take matters into our own hands and take care of business the way we see fit, right? After all, honoring God is great for Sunday mornings and sunsets, but when the chips are down, we have to do what we have to do, right? No, not so much.
We see in this chapter that David knew that honoring God is not something we do when it doesn’t cost us anything. David was so steeped in the truth of who God is that he reflexively and consistently ordered his life around Him. Consider three costly ways that David honored God in this passage and then consider David’s reward.
1. David honors God’s schedule. First, David passed on a second opportunity to kill the man who sought to kill him. When he spared Saul’s life, David knew that he was only prolonging his own torment. Though he knew that Saul’s reign would eventually come to an end, he recognized that it was not his role to expedite that result. According to God’s schedule, the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. David observed and honored God’s schedule at considerable cost to himself.
2. David honors God’s anointing. As we have seen earlier, David honors those whom God has honored. Even though Saul continued to pursue David even after David spared his life the first time, David remains steadfast in his conviction that Saul’s anointing by God must be honored.
3. David honors God’s justice. David humbly allows for the possibility that he deserves the treatment he is getting and that his response would be to make an offering to God (not to Saul). He also submits, though, that if his persecution is the design of men, they should be cursed and he should not be cut off from the Lord’s inheritance. David is only interested in justice the way God -- not men -- dispenses it.
David doesn’t seek here power, restitution or earthly gain. He doesn’t even ask for an end to his suffering. He simply desires God’s blessing. In the process, he honors God and is ultimately blessed in far greater ways than if he had seized his destiny by force and on his own timetable.
Consider how you might honor God in your present circumstances. Loss of financial or career security, loss of a relationship, loss of a chance for advancement at work…all these things stress us and challenge our faith. Pray, pray and pray some more. You will learn much about God’s plan for you and you will find the way to honor Him as he deserves to be honored.
Posted by David Wilks
What about all the other times? What if you were forcibly separated from your family and your friends…and forced to live in the desert…and the king was enraged at you…and an army was tracking you down…to kill you? Surely, in times like those, it would be wise to take matters into our own hands and take care of business the way we see fit, right? After all, honoring God is great for Sunday mornings and sunsets, but when the chips are down, we have to do what we have to do, right? No, not so much.
We see in this chapter that David knew that honoring God is not something we do when it doesn’t cost us anything. David was so steeped in the truth of who God is that he reflexively and consistently ordered his life around Him. Consider three costly ways that David honored God in this passage and then consider David’s reward.
1. David honors God’s schedule. First, David passed on a second opportunity to kill the man who sought to kill him. When he spared Saul’s life, David knew that he was only prolonging his own torment. Though he knew that Saul’s reign would eventually come to an end, he recognized that it was not his role to expedite that result. According to God’s schedule, the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. David observed and honored God’s schedule at considerable cost to himself.
2. David honors God’s anointing. As we have seen earlier, David honors those whom God has honored. Even though Saul continued to pursue David even after David spared his life the first time, David remains steadfast in his conviction that Saul’s anointing by God must be honored.
3. David honors God’s justice. David humbly allows for the possibility that he deserves the treatment he is getting and that his response would be to make an offering to God (not to Saul). He also submits, though, that if his persecution is the design of men, they should be cursed and he should not be cut off from the Lord’s inheritance. David is only interested in justice the way God -- not men -- dispenses it.
David doesn’t seek here power, restitution or earthly gain. He doesn’t even ask for an end to his suffering. He simply desires God’s blessing. In the process, he honors God and is ultimately blessed in far greater ways than if he had seized his destiny by force and on his own timetable.
Consider how you might honor God in your present circumstances. Loss of financial or career security, loss of a relationship, loss of a chance for advancement at work…all these things stress us and challenge our faith. Pray, pray and pray some more. You will learn much about God’s plan for you and you will find the way to honor Him as he deserves to be honored.
Posted by David Wilks
Monday, February 23, 2009
1 Samuel 26: A Man of Honor
“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 (The Fifth Commandment)
Centuries before Freud had anything to say about parents, Jewish and Christian scholars have noticed the connection between the way we relate to our parents and the way we respond to authority. “Never give a person spiritual authority who has outstanding issues with his father,” is colloquial wisdom for ministry. Why? If you cannot honor your parents who have carried authority over your life for your most formative years, you will not be able to carry your own authority with the kind of respect it deserves.
The fifth commandment is the first part of what scholars have concluded is the second tablet of the law. The first tablet was foundational for loving God. The second tablet was foundational for loving others. The fifth command, ‘honor your parents,’ is the starting point for a life that can love others. What does that have to do with David and Saul?
David is a man who respects authority. Saul, by his constant folly, selfishness and evil scheming, has done nothing but accumulate evidence against his worthiness to rule. David is worthy to rule in Israel and must bear under the pressure of Saul’s folly and hatred. David’s respect for the authority that God had established overrules Saul’s apparent forfeiture of credibility. Therefore, as he is running for his life, he constantly seeks to make himself right with the authority that has made him an outcast.
I could ask the question, ‘have you honored your parents,’ but the real question is, ‘do your parents feel honored by you?’ More applicable for us may be the question, ‘do you honor those in authority over you by the way you think, the way you speak, and the way you act?’ Your employer may be unqualified but they are an authority in your life (not the ultimate). Your church is an authority in your life and will be held accountable for the way they shepherd you (Heb 13:7, 17). Your government is an authority in your life as well. Honoring does not mean wholesale, mindless submission, but rather active, passionate and deliberate submission whether you agree or not. Many of us will give a gift to the next generation by modeling this kind of respect in the face of disagreement.
Posted by Marc
Centuries before Freud had anything to say about parents, Jewish and Christian scholars have noticed the connection between the way we relate to our parents and the way we respond to authority. “Never give a person spiritual authority who has outstanding issues with his father,” is colloquial wisdom for ministry. Why? If you cannot honor your parents who have carried authority over your life for your most formative years, you will not be able to carry your own authority with the kind of respect it deserves.
The fifth commandment is the first part of what scholars have concluded is the second tablet of the law. The first tablet was foundational for loving God. The second tablet was foundational for loving others. The fifth command, ‘honor your parents,’ is the starting point for a life that can love others. What does that have to do with David and Saul?
David is a man who respects authority. Saul, by his constant folly, selfishness and evil scheming, has done nothing but accumulate evidence against his worthiness to rule. David is worthy to rule in Israel and must bear under the pressure of Saul’s folly and hatred. David’s respect for the authority that God had established overrules Saul’s apparent forfeiture of credibility. Therefore, as he is running for his life, he constantly seeks to make himself right with the authority that has made him an outcast.
I could ask the question, ‘have you honored your parents,’ but the real question is, ‘do your parents feel honored by you?’ More applicable for us may be the question, ‘do you honor those in authority over you by the way you think, the way you speak, and the way you act?’ Your employer may be unqualified but they are an authority in your life (not the ultimate). Your church is an authority in your life and will be held accountable for the way they shepherd you (Heb 13:7, 17). Your government is an authority in your life as well. Honoring does not mean wholesale, mindless submission, but rather active, passionate and deliberate submission whether you agree or not. Many of us will give a gift to the next generation by modeling this kind of respect in the face of disagreement.
Posted by Marc
Saturday, February 21, 2009
1 Samuel 24: Radical Love
Imagine yourself in the situation where the realization of all your hopes and dreams were within your immediate grasp. You simply had to reach out and take it. But in doing so, you would be required to compromise your deeply held principles. Or in contrast, if you had the chance to remove a terrible threat to yourself, your friends and your family, but it would mean descending to the very level you were trying to eliminate. This was the dilemma David found himself within the cave at En Gedi.
For years, Saul and his men relentlessly pursued David. He tried multiple times to kill David, He took David’s wife, Michal and gave her to another man, he even went after his family requiring David to hide his parents with the king of Moab. Such hatred was not deserved, but was born out of jealousy; ever since David defeated Goliath. David was not a rebel, never once did he try to undermine Saul or take the throne of Israel. In fact, most of the time (when he wasn’t running from Saul), David spent defending Israel from her enemies. From this passage, we also discover that Saul knew in his heart that David was destined to be king as he indicated in verse 20: “I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.
Also, let’s be perfectly clear, Saul was evil. In 1 Sam 22 we read that he murdered Ahimelech, his family, the priests, and all of the men, women and children of the town of Nob, just because they aided David. In today’s world, we might call him a terrorist or a war criminal. But he was king. David had every reason, and probably every right, to kill Saul and rid himself and the nation of Israel of this evil man.
So why didn’t David kill Saul when he had the opportunity? He mentions several reasons in his confession to Saul.
1. David respected the authority of the king. David refused to raise his hand against the “LORD’s Anointed,” (vs 10). After all, Saul was anointed to be king and chosen (albeit reluctantly) by God. In David’s mind, to attack Saul would be to attack God.
2. David would not seek revenge or incite rebellion. (vs 11-12) David recognized that it was not his place to take vengeance, nor was he willing rebel against the nation of Israel or it’s king.
3. David would not descend to Saul’s level and commit murder. Vs 13 states “As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.’” To kill Saul would have amounted to murder, the very evil Saul was guilty of.
There is an important lesson for us learn from this story. In Matthew 5:44-45, Jesus commands us to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” David, in sparing Saul’s life and actually apologizing afterward, is a perfect example of living this command. You see, Jesus wasn’t just referring to that neighbor you don’t get along with, or someone from another political party. In this list he would have included those who radically oppose the Christian faith, people who shout “death to America”, terrorists, Somali pirates and even human traffickers. Of course this doesn’t mean that we condone or in any way participate in the evil. But Jesus loved and died for them as much as he did for us. Are any of us more righteous than Jesus that we can be so selective in whom we love or pray for? Hard words, but Jesus never said that the Christian life was easy, or even safe. On the contrary, Scripture and church history is filled with danger and hardship for those deciding to walk in the Way. But the rewards are eternal.
Posted by Michael Adkins
For years, Saul and his men relentlessly pursued David. He tried multiple times to kill David, He took David’s wife, Michal and gave her to another man, he even went after his family requiring David to hide his parents with the king of Moab. Such hatred was not deserved, but was born out of jealousy; ever since David defeated Goliath. David was not a rebel, never once did he try to undermine Saul or take the throne of Israel. In fact, most of the time (when he wasn’t running from Saul), David spent defending Israel from her enemies. From this passage, we also discover that Saul knew in his heart that David was destined to be king as he indicated in verse 20: “I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.
Also, let’s be perfectly clear, Saul was evil. In 1 Sam 22 we read that he murdered Ahimelech, his family, the priests, and all of the men, women and children of the town of Nob, just because they aided David. In today’s world, we might call him a terrorist or a war criminal. But he was king. David had every reason, and probably every right, to kill Saul and rid himself and the nation of Israel of this evil man.
So why didn’t David kill Saul when he had the opportunity? He mentions several reasons in his confession to Saul.
1. David respected the authority of the king. David refused to raise his hand against the “LORD’s Anointed,” (vs 10). After all, Saul was anointed to be king and chosen (albeit reluctantly) by God. In David’s mind, to attack Saul would be to attack God.
2. David would not seek revenge or incite rebellion. (vs 11-12) David recognized that it was not his place to take vengeance, nor was he willing rebel against the nation of Israel or it’s king.
3. David would not descend to Saul’s level and commit murder. Vs 13 states “As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.’” To kill Saul would have amounted to murder, the very evil Saul was guilty of.
There is an important lesson for us learn from this story. In Matthew 5:44-45, Jesus commands us to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” David, in sparing Saul’s life and actually apologizing afterward, is a perfect example of living this command. You see, Jesus wasn’t just referring to that neighbor you don’t get along with, or someone from another political party. In this list he would have included those who radically oppose the Christian faith, people who shout “death to America”, terrorists, Somali pirates and even human traffickers. Of course this doesn’t mean that we condone or in any way participate in the evil. But Jesus loved and died for them as much as he did for us. Are any of us more righteous than Jesus that we can be so selective in whom we love or pray for? Hard words, but Jesus never said that the Christian life was easy, or even safe. On the contrary, Scripture and church history is filled with danger and hardship for those deciding to walk in the Way. But the rewards are eternal.
Posted by Michael Adkins
Friday, February 20, 2009
1 Samuel 22: Against All Odds
This chapter could set the stage for a movie OR could be an awesome picture of the church. I love this chapter probably because I love movies and I love the church.
All of the promises of the Kingdom have been given to David, yet he must wait. Not only must he wait, but he must run for his life, alone, and when he finds brothers-in-arms, they are the downtrodden, debt-bearing, discontented sinners of the former regime. He is the captain of 400 misfits facing the outgoing regime’s king who can line up thousands against them. He has the comfort of his family and the word of God through the prophet Gad to help him as his bones ache and his heart breaks in the dark caves of Adullam. We can read how God met him in these caves in Psalms 52, 57, 63 and 142.
While God was meeting with him, evil was raging on the outside. Doeg the Edomite, inexplicably without a conscience slays 85 Godly men, their families and their entire town. The full collapse of Saul’s leadership into despotism has occurred and it is clear to all around that his kingship is not from Yahweh. So hope rests with an outcast who leads the misfits and sinners. Don’t you want to see how this movie plays out?
That is why I love the church. Jesus is the ultimate outcast captain and I get to be one of his misfits. Saul’s false Kingdom is reflective of Satan’s kingdom. Satan is waging war and has new Doegs in the world inflicting unthinkable evil yet the truth about his rule is clear. A new king has been anointed and his ultimate rule is sure. Satan, like Saul will be overturned through a messy and desperate battle. Hope rests in the new king who is bringing a new rule and we as his misfits get to follow his leadership and bring his love, his order and his peace to this world, one life at a time.
All of the promises of the Kingdom have been given to David, yet he must wait. Not only must he wait, but he must run for his life, alone, and when he finds brothers-in-arms, they are the downtrodden, debt-bearing, discontented sinners of the former regime. He is the captain of 400 misfits facing the outgoing regime’s king who can line up thousands against them. He has the comfort of his family and the word of God through the prophet Gad to help him as his bones ache and his heart breaks in the dark caves of Adullam. We can read how God met him in these caves in Psalms 52, 57, 63 and 142.
While God was meeting with him, evil was raging on the outside. Doeg the Edomite, inexplicably without a conscience slays 85 Godly men, their families and their entire town. The full collapse of Saul’s leadership into despotism has occurred and it is clear to all around that his kingship is not from Yahweh. So hope rests with an outcast who leads the misfits and sinners. Don’t you want to see how this movie plays out?
That is why I love the church. Jesus is the ultimate outcast captain and I get to be one of his misfits. Saul’s false Kingdom is reflective of Satan’s kingdom. Satan is waging war and has new Doegs in the world inflicting unthinkable evil yet the truth about his rule is clear. A new king has been anointed and his ultimate rule is sure. Satan, like Saul will be overturned through a messy and desperate battle. Hope rests in the new king who is bringing a new rule and we as his misfits get to follow his leadership and bring his love, his order and his peace to this world, one life at a time.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
1 Samuel 22: Jealousy
It amazes me how paranoid Saul has become. He has gone from the man who literally hid among baggage to avoid being recognized as king in chapter ten to someone who is holding onto his kingship so tightly that he sees conspiracy all around him. He is seeing David’s successes as a threat and enough of a threat that he commands a town of priests to be slaughtered for feeding and arming him.
While this is an extreme story, it does lead me to this question: where is our security? Is it in God or our status? Do we see other people’s successes as threats? Do we rely on God enough when it seems our “success” is on the decline and that he has our best in mind? In a tough economy where people are scrambling to keep jobs, others' successes can seem threatening. When other families are having a good season together and your family is struggling physically, emotionally, or financially, do you rejoice for them or become jealous? If someone else receives a compliment do you need to hear one too?
Imagine how different this period in history would have been for Israel if Saul had been open handed with his title of king and gracefully transitioned the power to David. Imagine how strong our communities, families, work places and churches would be if we could learn to fully rejoice in each other’s blessings.
Posted by Danny
While this is an extreme story, it does lead me to this question: where is our security? Is it in God or our status? Do we see other people’s successes as threats? Do we rely on God enough when it seems our “success” is on the decline and that he has our best in mind? In a tough economy where people are scrambling to keep jobs, others' successes can seem threatening. When other families are having a good season together and your family is struggling physically, emotionally, or financially, do you rejoice for them or become jealous? If someone else receives a compliment do you need to hear one too?
Imagine how different this period in history would have been for Israel if Saul had been open handed with his title of king and gracefully transitioned the power to David. Imagine how strong our communities, families, work places and churches would be if we could learn to fully rejoice in each other’s blessings.
Posted by Danny
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
1 Samuel 20: Best Friends
David and Jonathan were best friends. So much so that Jonathan was willing to risk everything for his friends’ safety. We see in 1 Samuel 20 that Saul is bent on ending David’s life. He’s so angry with David. He never really says why but it’s pretty clear. David was successful at everything Saul sent him to do (1 Samuel 18:5); he knew the LORD was with David (1 Samuel 18:12) and his jealous rage came over him. He wanted David gone because he knew all Israel and Judah loved David (1 Samuel 18:16).
So we find in our passage today a pact, a bond between best friends where Jonathan makes the choice to help his friend rather than feed his father’s jealousy. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like a friend like Jonathan was exactly what you needed? If you have and you didn’t have a Jonathan in your life, you read this story and realize the benefits of best friends. They commit to helping you even when it’s not convenient. Don’t miss this point! Jonathan’s father was so angry that his own son was siding with David, that he tried to pin him to the wall with his spear when David didn’t show up for the ceremonial meal. Jonathan risked his life for his friend.
Before we wrap up for the day, let’s not neglect to look at Saul. He’s a shadow of the man who once was the confident king of Israel. Now he’s this insecure man who can’t believe that another man is receiving the praises of all the Israelites. He’s so angered that he’s always looking for a way to eliminate David. Jealousy can do an incredible amount of damage in any relationship. David was serving Saul in his early days and having such success that it threatened Saul’s frail ego. Jonathan chose loyalty over jealousy. What do we choose? When we see someone who is successful at whatever they do, are we happy for their success? Or are we jealous? Best friends like Jonathan get it – they get that we need each other’s support and encouragement and most of all love. Jonathan and David had this incredible friendship. It reminds us of what Jesus said in John 15:15, where He tells His disciples that He now calls them His friends because they know the master’s business and they are following His ways.
We all need friends who will help us know the Master’s business and help us follow His ways. While we may never be in this kind of life and death situation that David experienced, it is important for all of us to realize the value of best friends. Best friends share our faith, they share our passions and they share our pursuit of both. Be the best friend you can be this week by living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Posted by Joe Stecz
So we find in our passage today a pact, a bond between best friends where Jonathan makes the choice to help his friend rather than feed his father’s jealousy. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like a friend like Jonathan was exactly what you needed? If you have and you didn’t have a Jonathan in your life, you read this story and realize the benefits of best friends. They commit to helping you even when it’s not convenient. Don’t miss this point! Jonathan’s father was so angry that his own son was siding with David, that he tried to pin him to the wall with his spear when David didn’t show up for the ceremonial meal. Jonathan risked his life for his friend.
Before we wrap up for the day, let’s not neglect to look at Saul. He’s a shadow of the man who once was the confident king of Israel. Now he’s this insecure man who can’t believe that another man is receiving the praises of all the Israelites. He’s so angered that he’s always looking for a way to eliminate David. Jealousy can do an incredible amount of damage in any relationship. David was serving Saul in his early days and having such success that it threatened Saul’s frail ego. Jonathan chose loyalty over jealousy. What do we choose? When we see someone who is successful at whatever they do, are we happy for their success? Or are we jealous? Best friends like Jonathan get it – they get that we need each other’s support and encouragement and most of all love. Jonathan and David had this incredible friendship. It reminds us of what Jesus said in John 15:15, where He tells His disciples that He now calls them His friends because they know the master’s business and they are following His ways.
We all need friends who will help us know the Master’s business and help us follow His ways. While we may never be in this kind of life and death situation that David experienced, it is important for all of us to realize the value of best friends. Best friends share our faith, they share our passions and they share our pursuit of both. Be the best friend you can be this week by living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Posted by Joe Stecz
Monday, February 16, 2009
1 Samuel 19: Behind the folly is worship
I knew a friend outside the faith who had the opportunity to look into the finances of a committed believer. He was astonished by the generosity of the believer. I would use the word “generosity” but I suspect that in the mind of this other man, the more apt word would have been “foolishness”. I would suggest that there is a similar root behind the foolishness of living for Christ and the foolishness of Saul that is on display in this passage.
The life centered upon Christ drives a person to folly in the eyes of the world. The folly in Saul life resulted from the fact that he was centered upon something much closer to his own ego. Was it power or was it his ambition for a dynasty? Certainly an evil spirit had something to do with it. Yet, there is no place for an evil spirit in the life of one committed to God.
When we see folly we can be sure that false worship is behind it. Proverbs 1:7 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Worship sets the rules. The one who worships Yahweh will follow the rules (wisdom and folly) of Yahweh. When worship goes to another god, that god will set the rules for wisdom and folly. Whomever Saul was worshipping was driving him to folly. Do you know who sets the rules for your wisdom and folly?
The life centered upon Christ drives a person to folly in the eyes of the world. The folly in Saul life resulted from the fact that he was centered upon something much closer to his own ego. Was it power or was it his ambition for a dynasty? Certainly an evil spirit had something to do with it. Yet, there is no place for an evil spirit in the life of one committed to God.
When we see folly we can be sure that false worship is behind it. Proverbs 1:7 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Worship sets the rules. The one who worships Yahweh will follow the rules (wisdom and folly) of Yahweh. When worship goes to another god, that god will set the rules for wisdom and folly. Whomever Saul was worshipping was driving him to folly. Do you know who sets the rules for your wisdom and folly?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
1 Samuel 18: Jealousy
In times of trouble it is easy to look to your neighbor, your family and friends, or some stranger you barely know and say “why do they have it better than me?” Jealousy starts off with an honest observation. It is not just some random observation but rather it strikes against something you hold dear. Mostly likely, it is something you hold to dearly.
In the case of Saul and David, it is over kingship (v. 8). Saul was once God’s anointed but is now rejected by God. He has lost this blessing. David excels in all that he does. It does not matter if it is from good motive or not, David receives promotion or glory (v. 7). As Saul tries to setup David, David gains more glory. Michal was given to David to be a snare but it only gives David greater authority in the kingdom (v. 28-29). Saul is afraid and jealous of David.
Saul’s disobedience to God has caused him to lose the kingdom, and as God brings up his successor Saul cannot handle it. This jealousy causes Saul to try to kill David repeatedly (v. 11), or set him up for the Philistines to do it (v. 25). The kingdom has become a snare to Saul. Saul would rather have the kingdom than serve the Lord’s anointed. It works the same for us. How often would we rather have our idol than the Lord’s anointed? How often would we rather have some material or earthly blessing than Jesus Christ? Jealousy works slowly but it is terribly deadly. And it is only choosing to love and serve the Lord’s anointed that we are saved from jealousy’s grip. It might work slowly but it is terribly corrosive to our heart. Let us then look to Christ to be free from its grip.
Posted by Aaron Miner
In the case of Saul and David, it is over kingship (v. 8). Saul was once God’s anointed but is now rejected by God. He has lost this blessing. David excels in all that he does. It does not matter if it is from good motive or not, David receives promotion or glory (v. 7). As Saul tries to setup David, David gains more glory. Michal was given to David to be a snare but it only gives David greater authority in the kingdom (v. 28-29). Saul is afraid and jealous of David.
Saul’s disobedience to God has caused him to lose the kingdom, and as God brings up his successor Saul cannot handle it. This jealousy causes Saul to try to kill David repeatedly (v. 11), or set him up for the Philistines to do it (v. 25). The kingdom has become a snare to Saul. Saul would rather have the kingdom than serve the Lord’s anointed. It works the same for us. How often would we rather have our idol than the Lord’s anointed? How often would we rather have some material or earthly blessing than Jesus Christ? Jealousy works slowly but it is terribly deadly. And it is only choosing to love and serve the Lord’s anointed that we are saved from jealousy’s grip. It might work slowly but it is terribly corrosive to our heart. Let us then look to Christ to be free from its grip.
Posted by Aaron Miner
Saturday, February 14, 2009
1 Samuel 17: The "Overdog"
Imagine the scene: Goliath, the grizzled, battle hardened giant, swaggering fully armored out to the battlefield to issue his daily challenge to the cowardly Israelite army. Tauntingly, he shouts, “Send out your best to take me on, mano a mano - winner take all.” For forty days his enemies have remained silent, cringing in fear. But on this day something different seems to stir within the opposing ranks. Perhaps now, his persistence will be rewarded. With the sweat of anticipation he watches for his opponent, practically smelling the blood of a battle - for today, someone will die. But instead of the anticipated warrior, worthy of his skills, out steps a small un-armored boy, swinging a puny shepherd’s sling. To Goliath, it seemed like the ultimate insult. “What do you think I am, a dog?” he roars with anger and humiliation. The small boy only smiles and shouts in return that he has come in the name of the Lord Almighty, and that the Lord will give him victory. The nerve of this scrawny runt. In rage, Goliath rushes forward to chop this fool into a thousand tiny pieces and feed him to the birds. But with skillful aim and stony confidence that his God is fully on his side, David slings the stone straight and true, striking right between the eyes. Like a redwood felled in the forest, the stricken giant falls … dead. Today, victory belongs to God.
Everyone loves to cheer for the underdog. Small shepherd boy armed with sling and five stones takes on nine foot armored war veteran wielding monstrous sword and spear. Yet, if we read today’s passage closely, Goliath never had a chance. What was the secret to David’s victory? Here are three points to consider.
1) David trusted God without reservation. In today’s passage, we read that “Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified” at the possibility of standing up to Goliath. David, however, was a man of faith, fearless, unwavering in his trust in God. His faith didn’t grow out of nothing; rather it was tried and tested multiple times as he overcame lions and bears in his work as a shepherd. In David’s mind, this was God’s battle and he couldn’t possibly lose.
2) David’s concern was not for his own personal gain; rather it was for God’s honor. To David, this was God’s battle and they belonged to God’s army, therefore the Lord would assure the victory. Often, when warriors approached each other in battle, verbal bravado was common and expected. In this case, David gave the credit for his impending victory entirely to God (vs 45-47).
3) While others were petrified by Goliath’s size, David didn’t seem to notice. This chapter goes to great lengths to describe Goliath’s size and battle prowess. Yet David never acknowledged anything about Goliath except that he was this “uncircumcised Philistine” who defied the armies of the living God. Instead, David’s focus is on the size of the Lord Almighty, which of course was vastly superior to anything this puny Goliath could muster.
In reality, David was not the underdog as he is so commonly portrayed; rather, he was the “overdog”. An overdog as defined as “one who as a significant advantage.” Most of us are involved in God’s ministry one way or another (if not, you should be). Therefore when obstacles in your ministry seem to come in Goliath proportions - follow David’s example: 1) Trust in God and “lean not on our own understanding.” Our trust and faith in God are keys to unlocking His power and resources. 2) Remember that we are ministering for God’s honor and glory, not our own. Don’t let pride or desire for recognition get in the way of assuring that God is at the center, 3) Understand that the size of our God is vastly bigger than the size of the obstacle, and his full resources are only a prayer away. In your service to God, assume the role of “overdog”, for you have the exact same advantage that David did.
Posted by Michael Adkins
Everyone loves to cheer for the underdog. Small shepherd boy armed with sling and five stones takes on nine foot armored war veteran wielding monstrous sword and spear. Yet, if we read today’s passage closely, Goliath never had a chance. What was the secret to David’s victory? Here are three points to consider.
1) David trusted God without reservation. In today’s passage, we read that “Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified” at the possibility of standing up to Goliath. David, however, was a man of faith, fearless, unwavering in his trust in God. His faith didn’t grow out of nothing; rather it was tried and tested multiple times as he overcame lions and bears in his work as a shepherd. In David’s mind, this was God’s battle and he couldn’t possibly lose.
2) David’s concern was not for his own personal gain; rather it was for God’s honor. To David, this was God’s battle and they belonged to God’s army, therefore the Lord would assure the victory. Often, when warriors approached each other in battle, verbal bravado was common and expected. In this case, David gave the credit for his impending victory entirely to God (vs 45-47).
3) While others were petrified by Goliath’s size, David didn’t seem to notice. This chapter goes to great lengths to describe Goliath’s size and battle prowess. Yet David never acknowledged anything about Goliath except that he was this “uncircumcised Philistine” who defied the armies of the living God. Instead, David’s focus is on the size of the Lord Almighty, which of course was vastly superior to anything this puny Goliath could muster.
In reality, David was not the underdog as he is so commonly portrayed; rather, he was the “overdog”. An overdog as defined as “one who as a significant advantage.” Most of us are involved in God’s ministry one way or another (if not, you should be). Therefore when obstacles in your ministry seem to come in Goliath proportions - follow David’s example: 1) Trust in God and “lean not on our own understanding.” Our trust and faith in God are keys to unlocking His power and resources. 2) Remember that we are ministering for God’s honor and glory, not our own. Don’t let pride or desire for recognition get in the way of assuring that God is at the center, 3) Understand that the size of our God is vastly bigger than the size of the obstacle, and his full resources are only a prayer away. In your service to God, assume the role of “overdog”, for you have the exact same advantage that David did.
Posted by Michael Adkins
Friday, February 13, 2009
1 Samuel 16: What is an Anointing?
If you have been reading 1 Samuel faithfully, you may begin to feel the grief that Samuel felt for Saul. The king’s unfaithfulness to God and sheer disinterest in Spiritual things has cost the nation the leadership it needs, his family a dynasty and now this passage brings into full repose his new current reality; he is leading a nation without the power of the Spirit with his replacement emerging before his eyes. The scene is quite painful and will only get worse as time makes clear that David is the anointing by God for leadership in Israel.
The Holy Spirit’s departure from Saul and the anointing of David is the central detail in this transition. So what does it mean for David to be anointed? What did it mean then and what does it mean for us?
The Spirit has always been an agent of creation (Gen 1:2). In the Old Testament there was a special anointing for kings, prophets and priests. They were anointed with oil to represent a Spiritual anointing that God would give them in order to accomplish a task. Kings were called to rule. Priests were called to mediate the blessing and curse of God’s presence among the people. Prophets were called to teach and hold the leaders and people to remain faithful to God’s word.
Part of what is good about the good news is that now the Spirit is given to all believers and that all believers with the Holy Spirit can offer the kind of kingly, priestly and prophetic ministry in the world. The Holy Spirit calls us to God and in that calling (vox) is a vocation (from the root vox). The vocation is a calling for us to use the anointing and accompanying gifts (1 Cor 12, Rom 12, Eph 4:9-16) to move the purposes of God forward in the world, to build his Kingdom.
Have you considered the call of God on your life to build the kingdom with the gifts he has given you? How do your talents and gifts move the Kingdom of God forward in this world? This would probably beg other questions like: What is the Kingdom? Is it the same thing as the church? (no) Beyond that, the anointing of the Spirit is something that must be cultivated and nurtured (Gal 6:8). Are you sowing your life to the Spirit (Eph 4:17ff) to develop the kind of character that can withstand the challenges of Spiritual leadership?
Posted by Marc Lucenius
The Holy Spirit’s departure from Saul and the anointing of David is the central detail in this transition. So what does it mean for David to be anointed? What did it mean then and what does it mean for us?
The Spirit has always been an agent of creation (Gen 1:2). In the Old Testament there was a special anointing for kings, prophets and priests. They were anointed with oil to represent a Spiritual anointing that God would give them in order to accomplish a task. Kings were called to rule. Priests were called to mediate the blessing and curse of God’s presence among the people. Prophets were called to teach and hold the leaders and people to remain faithful to God’s word.
Part of what is good about the good news is that now the Spirit is given to all believers and that all believers with the Holy Spirit can offer the kind of kingly, priestly and prophetic ministry in the world. The Holy Spirit calls us to God and in that calling (vox) is a vocation (from the root vox). The vocation is a calling for us to use the anointing and accompanying gifts (1 Cor 12, Rom 12, Eph 4:9-16) to move the purposes of God forward in the world, to build his Kingdom.
Have you considered the call of God on your life to build the kingdom with the gifts he has given you? How do your talents and gifts move the Kingdom of God forward in this world? This would probably beg other questions like: What is the Kingdom? Is it the same thing as the church? (no) Beyond that, the anointing of the Spirit is something that must be cultivated and nurtured (Gal 6:8). Are you sowing your life to the Spirit (Eph 4:17ff) to develop the kind of character that can withstand the challenges of Spiritual leadership?
Posted by Marc Lucenius
Thursday, February 12, 2009
1 Samuel 15: God's Regret
Does God ever regret what he has done? Verse 11 suggests that the Lord was unhappy with his own anointing of Saul as King of Israel.
This language is best understood as a statement made in accommodation to our outlook upon our actions as human beings. We cannot understand the eternal ways of God—as he plainly tells us in Scripture (Is. 40:13-14). But we can understand a displeasure with our own action that makes us wish we had never done something. Saul refused to obey the express command of the Lord to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. He failed to do so. He thought he would develop his own way of worshiping God, even when it conflicted with God’s express command.
This is a reminder to us to worship God as he instructs us and not as we imagine. Even within the “Christian” world all kinds of bizarre modes of worship are tolerated contrary to God’s command. Some churches baptize the living for the salvation of dead ancestors. Some churches teach that Christ is killed anew each time that communion is celebrated. Others use visual worship “aids” that are perilously close to, if not being, outright idolatry. These practices cannot be pleasing to God because they defy his truth as revealed to us. We too should guard our practices to ensure that we are not inventing things as we go along but rather following the clear dictates of Scripture about proper worship for him. Obedience is our first calling. Creativity to the glory of God within obedience is a blessing to both worshiper and the One who is worshiped. The Lord has commanded us to sing new songs to Him (Ps. 33:3)!
Saul’s attempt to repent of his own sin appeared genuine—to a degree. He implored Samuel not to depart from him (v. 27), and he finally killed Agag (v. 33). But the kingdom had been irrevocably taken from his house, and even Samuel himself would no longer carry the word of God to him (v. 35). How startling then was Saul’s action in seeking to raise Samuel from the dead for advice (I Sam. 28:14)! And how additionally amazing was Samuel’s post-mortem repetition of the judgment upon Saul for his great wrongdoing—all of which arose from Saul’s sincere, but disobedient attempt to honor the God of Israel (I. Sam. 28:18)! In his rebuke to Saul, Samuel reminds Saul of his humble origins (v. 17). Since God had raised him up to be a great king, how could he not have exercised the power that God had put into his hands to utterly destroy the heathen Amalekites (v. 19). Obedience is better than sacrifice (v. 22). Let these words of the Prophet be a continual reminder to us of our first priority as Christians.
Posted by Aaron Martin
This language is best understood as a statement made in accommodation to our outlook upon our actions as human beings. We cannot understand the eternal ways of God—as he plainly tells us in Scripture (Is. 40:13-14). But we can understand a displeasure with our own action that makes us wish we had never done something. Saul refused to obey the express command of the Lord to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. He failed to do so. He thought he would develop his own way of worshiping God, even when it conflicted with God’s express command.
This is a reminder to us to worship God as he instructs us and not as we imagine. Even within the “Christian” world all kinds of bizarre modes of worship are tolerated contrary to God’s command. Some churches baptize the living for the salvation of dead ancestors. Some churches teach that Christ is killed anew each time that communion is celebrated. Others use visual worship “aids” that are perilously close to, if not being, outright idolatry. These practices cannot be pleasing to God because they defy his truth as revealed to us. We too should guard our practices to ensure that we are not inventing things as we go along but rather following the clear dictates of Scripture about proper worship for him. Obedience is our first calling. Creativity to the glory of God within obedience is a blessing to both worshiper and the One who is worshiped. The Lord has commanded us to sing new songs to Him (Ps. 33:3)!
Saul’s attempt to repent of his own sin appeared genuine—to a degree. He implored Samuel not to depart from him (v. 27), and he finally killed Agag (v. 33). But the kingdom had been irrevocably taken from his house, and even Samuel himself would no longer carry the word of God to him (v. 35). How startling then was Saul’s action in seeking to raise Samuel from the dead for advice (I Sam. 28:14)! And how additionally amazing was Samuel’s post-mortem repetition of the judgment upon Saul for his great wrongdoing—all of which arose from Saul’s sincere, but disobedient attempt to honor the God of Israel (I. Sam. 28:18)! In his rebuke to Saul, Samuel reminds Saul of his humble origins (v. 17). Since God had raised him up to be a great king, how could he not have exercised the power that God had put into his hands to utterly destroy the heathen Amalekites (v. 19). Obedience is better than sacrifice (v. 22). Let these words of the Prophet be a continual reminder to us of our first priority as Christians.
Posted by Aaron Martin
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
1 Samuel 13: Keeping your cool
Have you ever done something without really taking the time to read the instructions? Ever put together a bookcase, installed a screen door or made something where you just decided to go out on a limb and wing it? That’s what we find the new King of Israel in 1 Samuel 13 doing.
Saul was just given specific instructions and regulations about being King. Yet he decides to do things on his own, ignoring what was most important. First Samuel 12:24-25 tells him to fear and serve God faithfully and that if he doesn’t his kingship will be taken away. But he fails and it brings drastic consequences. Saul attacks the Philistines; he’s engaged in battle and it’s not going well. As Saul’s men begin to scatter, and out of fear he loses his cool. He gets scared and making a last ditch effort he calls for burnt and fellowship offerings to be made; while hoping that somehow God would bail him out of this dire situation. He says he felt compelled to offer the burnt offering. His decision to call on God this way was an act of desperation, not worship.
You see back in 1 Samuel 10:8, Samuel gives Saul crystal clear instructions about what to do in this situation. But out of fear rather than obedience, Saul steps in and offers the sacrifices that Samuel was meant to offer. He intrudes on the priest’s office and responsibilities. Saul sinned by failing to keep God’s commandment given through Samuel.
His consequences are grave. Samuel tells him he acted foolishly and informs him that his kingdom will not endure. What we need to realize and I hesitate to acknowledge is there are far too many times when we are just like Saul. We fail to heed God’s instructions. We fail to realize if we had just paid close attention to the instructions we’d be far better off. Friends God wants us to follow His word to a “t”. He doesn’t want us failing to follow; He doesn’t want us going off on our own and doing things as we see fit. When we do we are being disobedient. He wants us, like 1 Samuel 13:14 says, to be people after his own heart. What matters most to Him needs to matter most to us. Learn His word and follow it. Meditate on the Word so that you’ll always find yourself following God’s directions.
Life is going to bring us into stressful situations that press us into making on the spot decisions. So we need to be prepared to respond the right way. Saul failed to remember God's word. Learn from Saul's story that we always need to keep our cool and remember the importance of God's holy word in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. We may not experience consequences as severe as Saul, but consequences come our way when we're disobedient. Doing the right thing in God's eyes is what we're asked to do. God's given us His spirit to do this. Now we just have to ask ourselves if we want God's blessings in our life or the consequences of our rebellious actions. As for me, I want God's blessings. How about you?
Posted by Joe Stecz
Saul was just given specific instructions and regulations about being King. Yet he decides to do things on his own, ignoring what was most important. First Samuel 12:24-25 tells him to fear and serve God faithfully and that if he doesn’t his kingship will be taken away. But he fails and it brings drastic consequences. Saul attacks the Philistines; he’s engaged in battle and it’s not going well. As Saul’s men begin to scatter, and out of fear he loses his cool. He gets scared and making a last ditch effort he calls for burnt and fellowship offerings to be made; while hoping that somehow God would bail him out of this dire situation. He says he felt compelled to offer the burnt offering. His decision to call on God this way was an act of desperation, not worship.
You see back in 1 Samuel 10:8, Samuel gives Saul crystal clear instructions about what to do in this situation. But out of fear rather than obedience, Saul steps in and offers the sacrifices that Samuel was meant to offer. He intrudes on the priest’s office and responsibilities. Saul sinned by failing to keep God’s commandment given through Samuel.
His consequences are grave. Samuel tells him he acted foolishly and informs him that his kingdom will not endure. What we need to realize and I hesitate to acknowledge is there are far too many times when we are just like Saul. We fail to heed God’s instructions. We fail to realize if we had just paid close attention to the instructions we’d be far better off. Friends God wants us to follow His word to a “t”. He doesn’t want us failing to follow; He doesn’t want us going off on our own and doing things as we see fit. When we do we are being disobedient. He wants us, like 1 Samuel 13:14 says, to be people after his own heart. What matters most to Him needs to matter most to us. Learn His word and follow it. Meditate on the Word so that you’ll always find yourself following God’s directions.
Life is going to bring us into stressful situations that press us into making on the spot decisions. So we need to be prepared to respond the right way. Saul failed to remember God's word. Learn from Saul's story that we always need to keep our cool and remember the importance of God's holy word in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. We may not experience consequences as severe as Saul, but consequences come our way when we're disobedient. Doing the right thing in God's eyes is what we're asked to do. God's given us His spirit to do this. Now we just have to ask ourselves if we want God's blessings in our life or the consequences of our rebellious actions. As for me, I want God's blessings. How about you?
Posted by Joe Stecz
Monday, February 9, 2009
1 Samuel 12: Why is Samuel so grumpy?
Let’s take this issue head on here. Is it good to have a king or not? Moses, through the law gives clear instruction to Israel for what a king should do and how he should act. Yet, Moses acts as if having a king is a terrible idea. Samuel, in this chapter, does the same thing? Isn’t Jesus a king? Where’s the puzzle kids?
This chapter is a landmark in the history of Israel, marking not just the transition in leadership from Samuel to Saul, but in a bigger, more important way, the transition between the influence of a judge to the sovereignty of a king. The judges were much more like the best player on the team or the wisest person in the nation (a.k.a. “the seer” 9:9). In a crisis, they would all choose to give the ball to the judge and he or she would lead them, or offer them the wisdom that they needed. The judges would emerge in each generation based upon their genuine gifting, godliness and wisdom, just as team leaders and scholars do in our day based upon their particular niche. The advantage of a judge is that you always have the right person. The disadvantage is that their authority is limited the crisis or situation they are called into. Judges couldn’t establish and a government across Israel that would establish and build order that could last through the transitions in power from one judge to the next. When Michael Jordan retires, the Bulls go back to being a bad team.
Kings, on the other hand, were given the role based upon birth order and a clear succession of leadership was always set up. The advantage of this is that a king can set up a system that can protect the country from the ups and downs of waiting for a franchise player or scholar to save the country. The disadvantage is that the collection power into the hands of one person is quite dangerous for any group of people. Political rulers, by nature carry the influence of provisional hope (for their influence over the economy, foreign relations, domestic trouble-shooting, etc.), yet when the provisional hope of political power gets mixed with the eternal hope of spiritual leadership, you have a juggernaut of power akin to a nuclear reactor. A nuclear reactor can warm an entire nation the size of Israel from one place, but if it goes south it takes the entire nation with it.
Samuel knew that kings would become mediators for their people, using their influence and example to shape the entire culture of a nation. Essentially you had the right place (of power) and hoped that the right person would fill it. Samuel knew human nature well enough to know that mankind cannot produce enough successful first round draft picks with enough succession to offer the kind of spiritual leadership Israel needed. People would look to their king and their king would eventually lead them astray.
Jesus would take the place of the king, and from the power demonstrated in his life, the love shown in his death and the vindication of his resurrection, we can be assured that he is the right person in the right place. We need to pray to him for both our spiritual and political leaders, as they shape the spiritual climate of our lives in ways that we do not even know.
This chapter is a landmark in the history of Israel, marking not just the transition in leadership from Samuel to Saul, but in a bigger, more important way, the transition between the influence of a judge to the sovereignty of a king. The judges were much more like the best player on the team or the wisest person in the nation (a.k.a. “the seer” 9:9). In a crisis, they would all choose to give the ball to the judge and he or she would lead them, or offer them the wisdom that they needed. The judges would emerge in each generation based upon their genuine gifting, godliness and wisdom, just as team leaders and scholars do in our day based upon their particular niche. The advantage of a judge is that you always have the right person. The disadvantage is that their authority is limited the crisis or situation they are called into. Judges couldn’t establish and a government across Israel that would establish and build order that could last through the transitions in power from one judge to the next. When Michael Jordan retires, the Bulls go back to being a bad team.
Kings, on the other hand, were given the role based upon birth order and a clear succession of leadership was always set up. The advantage of this is that a king can set up a system that can protect the country from the ups and downs of waiting for a franchise player or scholar to save the country. The disadvantage is that the collection power into the hands of one person is quite dangerous for any group of people. Political rulers, by nature carry the influence of provisional hope (for their influence over the economy, foreign relations, domestic trouble-shooting, etc.), yet when the provisional hope of political power gets mixed with the eternal hope of spiritual leadership, you have a juggernaut of power akin to a nuclear reactor. A nuclear reactor can warm an entire nation the size of Israel from one place, but if it goes south it takes the entire nation with it.
Samuel knew that kings would become mediators for their people, using their influence and example to shape the entire culture of a nation. Essentially you had the right place (of power) and hoped that the right person would fill it. Samuel knew human nature well enough to know that mankind cannot produce enough successful first round draft picks with enough succession to offer the kind of spiritual leadership Israel needed. People would look to their king and their king would eventually lead them astray.
Jesus would take the place of the king, and from the power demonstrated in his life, the love shown in his death and the vindication of his resurrection, we can be assured that he is the right person in the right place. We need to pray to him for both our spiritual and political leaders, as they shape the spiritual climate of our lives in ways that we do not even know.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
1 Samuel 11: A King's Confirmation
What makes a leader? Is it charisma? Is it skill and ability? In one sense we could say yes these attributes do make a leader but there is also something more behind them. In the case of Saul, it is God who called and appointed Saul to be the king.
Saul’s kingship starts off incredibly well. This narrative confirms Saul’s appointment as Israel’s king. The people of Jabesh-gilead are besieged by the Ammonites but when Saul hears about this the Lord comes upon him (v. 7) spurring him to action. Saul then musters the people and they then route the Ammonites saving Jabesh-gilead. After such a great victory Saul is confirmed as Israel’s king in Gilgal (v. 15). But if we look closer we see that it is the Lord who is spurring the people and spurring Saul to act (vv 6, 8).
So what does this mean for us? If God calls us to do something, then he will provide the strength, wisdom and ability for us to do it. We may not be the best or achieve some rock star status in our calling but we will have some measure of success. So how does this work?
One parallel is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul states, “For when I am weak then I am strong.” He can state this because God’s grace is sufficient for us and in our weakness we can turn to him and be strong. It was the Lord’s power with Saul and it was the Lord’s power with Paul that gave them strength to continue. Only as followers and disciples of Christ do we have this power of God’s grace. Christ does not leave his church inept to serve and minister to the world, may that be in ministry or in the workplace. Therefore, God makes leaders just as God makes workers—by his grace.
Posted by Aaron Miner
Saul’s kingship starts off incredibly well. This narrative confirms Saul’s appointment as Israel’s king. The people of Jabesh-gilead are besieged by the Ammonites but when Saul hears about this the Lord comes upon him (v. 7) spurring him to action. Saul then musters the people and they then route the Ammonites saving Jabesh-gilead. After such a great victory Saul is confirmed as Israel’s king in Gilgal (v. 15). But if we look closer we see that it is the Lord who is spurring the people and spurring Saul to act (vv 6, 8).
So what does this mean for us? If God calls us to do something, then he will provide the strength, wisdom and ability for us to do it. We may not be the best or achieve some rock star status in our calling but we will have some measure of success. So how does this work?
One parallel is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul states, “For when I am weak then I am strong.” He can state this because God’s grace is sufficient for us and in our weakness we can turn to him and be strong. It was the Lord’s power with Saul and it was the Lord’s power with Paul that gave them strength to continue. Only as followers and disciples of Christ do we have this power of God’s grace. Christ does not leave his church inept to serve and minister to the world, may that be in ministry or in the workplace. Therefore, God makes leaders just as God makes workers—by his grace.
Posted by Aaron Miner
Saturday, February 7, 2009
1 Samuel 10: A True Leader
What kind of a leader do you want to follow? We want our leaders to have a vision or some goal for where we are going. We want our leaders to inspire us and not berate us into better performance. We want our leaders to be strong yet humble not using their influence solely for their benefit. Yet often times the leader we have is not the leader want.
The people of Israel wanted a king and God gave them exactly that. God gave them Saul, and “there was none like him among all the people (v. 24).” Saul was exactly what the people wanted, a king just like the other nations. “He was taller than any of the people (v 23).” He looked the part, but Saul’s kingship was a disaster, and the narrator hints at this looming catastrophe. Samuel’s proclamation of the new king being more like a prophetic oracle of judgment (vv. 17-19) was an ominous sign of the looming disaster.
God’s intention for a king was to lead the people to follow the Lord’s commands (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). The king should not strive for power, money, or women but to fear the Lord. God wanted a king after his own heart, a king like David (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). And it is through this king after God’s own heart that God brought to us a savior and a greater king—Jesus Christ.
We can follow leaders who will always fail us, but we have a king who is always faithful. Jesus Christ is not just a king after God’s own heart but he is God himself. Following him alone, will give us the leader that we truly desire and search for. So the question is, will you follow him?
Posted by Aaron Miner
The people of Israel wanted a king and God gave them exactly that. God gave them Saul, and “there was none like him among all the people (v. 24).” Saul was exactly what the people wanted, a king just like the other nations. “He was taller than any of the people (v 23).” He looked the part, but Saul’s kingship was a disaster, and the narrator hints at this looming catastrophe. Samuel’s proclamation of the new king being more like a prophetic oracle of judgment (vv. 17-19) was an ominous sign of the looming disaster.
God’s intention for a king was to lead the people to follow the Lord’s commands (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). The king should not strive for power, money, or women but to fear the Lord. God wanted a king after his own heart, a king like David (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). And it is through this king after God’s own heart that God brought to us a savior and a greater king—Jesus Christ.
We can follow leaders who will always fail us, but we have a king who is always faithful. Jesus Christ is not just a king after God’s own heart but he is God himself. Following him alone, will give us the leader that we truly desire and search for. So the question is, will you follow him?
Posted by Aaron Miner
Friday, February 6, 2009
1 Samuel 9: The way up is down
Samuel had a dilemma that would test his loyalty to Yahweh. His character and leadership are tested as he is called by God to anoint Israel’s first king, thereby demoting himself from the role of leader of Israel, submitting himself to a much younger and spiritually immature man in Saul. By anointing Saul, Samuel relegates himself to a significantly more diminished role and influence in country. He didn’t have to do it. He could have easily justified holding onto power on account of his love for Israel, knowing that a king would mistreat them. He could have easily held onto his power based upon the justification that he was much more experienced and capable than Saul. He could have asserted himself as king for he had certainly displayed all of the characteristics of leadership required of a king. Yet he defies his logic and human wisdom and embraces God’s foolishness.
God in many ways does seem foolish here. When Samuel brought the request of the people for a king to the Lord, his response was, “it is not you they have rejected (as ruler and judge in Israel), but they have rejected me as their king.” (8:7). With that kind of rejection, it would be understandable and even wise for God to give them anything but their request. Yet, God stoops. In their weakness and their brokenness, they will not follow him. They want to follow a leader like the other nations have—one they can see and be inspired by and one they can boast about to other nations.
This is not the first time God will stoop. The choosing of Saul as a king is a way of giving flesh to the people to symbolize God’s leadership. As the kings of Israel flourished spiritually, so would the nation. Unfortunately, most of the kings would fall woefully short of that standard. Yet, there would be a day when God himself would stoop again and be that king himself in the person of Jesus. Unlike the way Samuel created space for Saul, the Jewish leaders would resist the one who truly deserved to be king. His death and resurrection would validate his authority and introduce a new kind of Kingdom that would extend beyond all borders.
They say that in the Kingdom, “the way up is down.” That is how it was for Samuel. That is how it is for Jesus. That is how it is for us.
God in many ways does seem foolish here. When Samuel brought the request of the people for a king to the Lord, his response was, “it is not you they have rejected (as ruler and judge in Israel), but they have rejected me as their king.” (8:7). With that kind of rejection, it would be understandable and even wise for God to give them anything but their request. Yet, God stoops. In their weakness and their brokenness, they will not follow him. They want to follow a leader like the other nations have—one they can see and be inspired by and one they can boast about to other nations.
This is not the first time God will stoop. The choosing of Saul as a king is a way of giving flesh to the people to symbolize God’s leadership. As the kings of Israel flourished spiritually, so would the nation. Unfortunately, most of the kings would fall woefully short of that standard. Yet, there would be a day when God himself would stoop again and be that king himself in the person of Jesus. Unlike the way Samuel created space for Saul, the Jewish leaders would resist the one who truly deserved to be king. His death and resurrection would validate his authority and introduce a new kind of Kingdom that would extend beyond all borders.
They say that in the Kingdom, “the way up is down.” That is how it was for Samuel. That is how it is for Jesus. That is how it is for us.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
1 Samuel 8: Security
Where do we look for security in life? Israel is faced with tough turn in leadership. Since Samuel’s sons are filled with corruption one can imagine that many in Israel were feeling spiritually insecure. They might be asking question such as “What will happen to our nation?” Here is where Israel makes its mistake. The mistake was not to look for a solution. The mistake was where they looked for the solution. Before looking up to God for guidance they looked around at the other nations for guidance. Their motivation rings clear… “Then we will be like all the other nations”. What a deadly line! Yet is seems to show up in many different forms throughout our own lives.
“Then we will be like our coworkers….”
“Then we will be like other families…”
“Then we will be like our peers…”
“Then we will be like other churches…”
We might not say it so boldly but chances are when something tough comes our way we turn to Google, the New Yorker, business consultants, talk shows, parenting groups, or self help books first for solutions. Sure there are admirable qualities from other nations. There are many things that should be learned from those around us. However, we need to ask ourselves questions such as… Who has become our shelter in life? What has won our confidence as a place of security? When life becomes unstable financially, martially, spiritually, physically, or emotionally where does my first instinct turn me to seek guidance? Let us first set our sights on our God for he alone is the provider of a peace that passes all understanding and the giver of all good things.
Posted by Danny
“Then we will be like our coworkers….”
“Then we will be like other families…”
“Then we will be like our peers…”
“Then we will be like other churches…”
We might not say it so boldly but chances are when something tough comes our way we turn to Google, the New Yorker, business consultants, talk shows, parenting groups, or self help books first for solutions. Sure there are admirable qualities from other nations. There are many things that should be learned from those around us. However, we need to ask ourselves questions such as… Who has become our shelter in life? What has won our confidence as a place of security? When life becomes unstable financially, martially, spiritually, physically, or emotionally where does my first instinct turn me to seek guidance? Let us first set our sights on our God for he alone is the provider of a peace that passes all understanding and the giver of all good things.
Posted by Danny
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
1 Samuel 7: Discipline
We read that for twenty years the Israelites sought after God. I would conclude any seeking after God is a good thing, but then Samuel brings the wood to the people of Israel. After twenty years of seeking God, Samuel needs to speak strongly into their lives about removing idols from their homes, being grounded in God and worshipping God alone. It would become easy to be critical here about the Israelites. Twenty years of pursuing God and your home is still full with idols? The people of Israel respond to Samuel’s strong words of correction and they repent. Israel continues its cycle; a turning from God, followed by oppression that brings repentance and results in deliverance.
I see two clear red flags for us as we read this passage of scripture. When was the last time you checked your house for idols? These Israelites were seeking God for twenty years and their own homes remained filled with other gods. We are all drawn to that something that creeps in and slowly moves God from his rightful place. Identify what that is for you. For some it is sports that keep you from coming together with the body to worship corporately. Maybe you have a work addiction and can’t seem to push yourself away from your desk long enough to open the Bible. What keeps you from the disciplines that God calls us to?
Secondly, the Israelites repented. How do you react when you hear a strong challenge from a brother or sister in Christ? Do you discredit what they say or become defensive in your position? Perhaps you strike back and go on the offensive. We all have an automatic defense mechanism that kicks in. Iron sharpens iron only when pressure and friction is applied in a correct way. It comes along side of and helps smooth out the rough edges. It does not strike bluntly as that only dulls a blade, not sharpens it. How you respond to this pressure when it is applied to you is vital. We must be willing to hear the hard stuff about our own lives and repent, because repentance brings deliverance.
Posted by Jim
I see two clear red flags for us as we read this passage of scripture. When was the last time you checked your house for idols? These Israelites were seeking God for twenty years and their own homes remained filled with other gods. We are all drawn to that something that creeps in and slowly moves God from his rightful place. Identify what that is for you. For some it is sports that keep you from coming together with the body to worship corporately. Maybe you have a work addiction and can’t seem to push yourself away from your desk long enough to open the Bible. What keeps you from the disciplines that God calls us to?
Secondly, the Israelites repented. How do you react when you hear a strong challenge from a brother or sister in Christ? Do you discredit what they say or become defensive in your position? Perhaps you strike back and go on the offensive. We all have an automatic defense mechanism that kicks in. Iron sharpens iron only when pressure and friction is applied in a correct way. It comes along side of and helps smooth out the rough edges. It does not strike bluntly as that only dulls a blade, not sharpens it. How you respond to this pressure when it is applied to you is vital. We must be willing to hear the hard stuff about our own lives and repent, because repentance brings deliverance.
Posted by Jim
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
1 Samuel 6: Lost
The ark of the Lord’s covenant – LOST. Can you imagine what this must have been like for Israel? Imagine for a moment having the ark of God, that which represented His presence taken from you. Imagine not having access to God. This is what they were experiencing; a LOST sense of relationship with their God.
The Philistines had captured the ark and God’s glory departed from Israel. But there was a problem. God sent a plague on those who’d stolen the ark from Israel. Large tumors affected the Philistines. So in despair they decided to send the ark away. The Philistines were doing what they did best – trying to appease the gods. They had all sorts of gods, all sorts of superstitions, so to them the god of Israel was just another god. They wanted to be healed, so they devised a plan to see if it was the God of Israel or just by chance that they were affected and infected with these huge tumors.
When they set the ark on the cart, placed the five gold models of the tumors and of the rats (apparently the disease and tumors were transferred by these animals), one for each of the Philistine rulers, they sent it on its way with the cows pulling and taking the covenant on its way. If the cows went straight to Israelite territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then the LORD they decided is the one who brought this great disaster on them. If the cows don’t go this way, well then these tumors have happened to us only by chance. Heads its God, tails it’s by chance. Well God wanted the ark back in the hands of His people so that’s where the cows went – exactly where God wanted regardless of their superstitious test.
The key point of this whole story is summed up in verse 20. After the Levites took the ark off the cart, they made a burnt offering to the LORD. Then God strikes down a number of the men of Beth Shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. You see the Philistines suffered, these men suffered and we suffer when we don’t realize that NO ONE can stand in the presence of the LORD, because He is holy. When we live in such a way that our lives get complacent and casual about the holy things of God, we’re walking on dangerous ground. God is holy. We’re called to be holy. But we can’t be holy on our own. We must stay connected with our Holy Father. We must never allow our relationship with Him to be LOST. It’s important for us to remember the old saying, I was lost but now I am found.
Friends, remember God’s presence is available and it’s for our benefit. Think about all the ways we’ve allowed God to in a sense get LOST in our lives. Where we’ve turned away from Him; where we’ve chosen to think and act different than we know He wants. Then spend some time today confessing our guilt before our Holy God. And then realize once we confess, we’re forgiven. Now that’s a holy God. Amen.
Posted by Joe Stecz
The Philistines had captured the ark and God’s glory departed from Israel. But there was a problem. God sent a plague on those who’d stolen the ark from Israel. Large tumors affected the Philistines. So in despair they decided to send the ark away. The Philistines were doing what they did best – trying to appease the gods. They had all sorts of gods, all sorts of superstitions, so to them the god of Israel was just another god. They wanted to be healed, so they devised a plan to see if it was the God of Israel or just by chance that they were affected and infected with these huge tumors.
When they set the ark on the cart, placed the five gold models of the tumors and of the rats (apparently the disease and tumors were transferred by these animals), one for each of the Philistine rulers, they sent it on its way with the cows pulling and taking the covenant on its way. If the cows went straight to Israelite territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then the LORD they decided is the one who brought this great disaster on them. If the cows don’t go this way, well then these tumors have happened to us only by chance. Heads its God, tails it’s by chance. Well God wanted the ark back in the hands of His people so that’s where the cows went – exactly where God wanted regardless of their superstitious test.
The key point of this whole story is summed up in verse 20. After the Levites took the ark off the cart, they made a burnt offering to the LORD. Then God strikes down a number of the men of Beth Shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. You see the Philistines suffered, these men suffered and we suffer when we don’t realize that NO ONE can stand in the presence of the LORD, because He is holy. When we live in such a way that our lives get complacent and casual about the holy things of God, we’re walking on dangerous ground. God is holy. We’re called to be holy. But we can’t be holy on our own. We must stay connected with our Holy Father. We must never allow our relationship with Him to be LOST. It’s important for us to remember the old saying, I was lost but now I am found.
Friends, remember God’s presence is available and it’s for our benefit. Think about all the ways we’ve allowed God to in a sense get LOST in our lives. Where we’ve turned away from Him; where we’ve chosen to think and act different than we know He wants. Then spend some time today confessing our guilt before our Holy God. And then realize once we confess, we’re forgiven. Now that’s a holy God. Amen.
Posted by Joe Stecz
Monday, February 2, 2009
1 Samuel 5: Holy is the Lord
1 Samuel 5: Holy is the Lord
Imagine inviting Lance Armstrong to a dinner with you at McDonald’s. Imagine asking a Supreme Court justice to help you mediate the fight you had with your spouse on the way to church. Imagine inviting an Africa who lives on $350/year to your 401k pity party. Imagine asking Nelson Mandela to sit on a panel with your high school buddies discussing the topic of leadership. Imagine taking the very throne seat of God into the temple of an idol.
That is just what happened here. The ark of the covenant was the throne seat of the presence of God. The ark was the real presence of God among them. It is good for us to recognize the supremacy of God over other false gods.
When we invite God into all areas of our life allowing him access into all of the chambers and aspects of our ambitions, longings, etc., we will find that the gods, idols and the things that most charm us must submit themselves before the presence of God.
The Philistines sure hoped that bringing Yahweh’s seat into their land and temple would bring them blessing. They were not a part of God's covenant people and by bringing God into their lives, they wanted God to serve them. That is not the way it is supposed to work.
Imagine inviting Lance Armstrong to a dinner with you at McDonald’s. Imagine asking a Supreme Court justice to help you mediate the fight you had with your spouse on the way to church. Imagine inviting an Africa who lives on $350/year to your 401k pity party. Imagine asking Nelson Mandela to sit on a panel with your high school buddies discussing the topic of leadership. Imagine taking the very throne seat of God into the temple of an idol.
That is just what happened here. The ark of the covenant was the throne seat of the presence of God. The ark was the real presence of God among them. It is good for us to recognize the supremacy of God over other false gods.
When we invite God into all areas of our life allowing him access into all of the chambers and aspects of our ambitions, longings, etc., we will find that the gods, idols and the things that most charm us must submit themselves before the presence of God.
The Philistines sure hoped that bringing Yahweh’s seat into their land and temple would bring them blessing. They were not a part of God's covenant people and by bringing God into their lives, they wanted God to serve them. That is not the way it is supposed to work.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
1 Samuel 4: Hope and Disasters
Disasters, we have all seen them on TV and read about them in books. These are typically events when everyone remembers exactly what they were doing when they first heard about it. Where were you on 9/11? Where were you when Kennedy was shot? Some events will always be etched in our minds. For Israel losing the Ark of the Covenant in a battle against the Philistines was such an event. But this story is not included in 1 Samuel because of its traumatic impact on the nation.
The story revolves around Hophni and Phinehas and their father Eli. They are so obtuse, they have no idea that God is against them (v. 3). Unlike Joshua they do not ask why God was against them, only what they schemed to do next. They were truly worthless men (1 Samuel 2:12). Israel and the house of Eli were being judged for their wickedness. God has abandoned them because they have forsaken God and his commands (1 Samuel 2:29). Judgment has come upon Eli and his house.
So are all disasters judgments from God? Unfortunately the answer is not a simple yes or no. Indirectly, all disasters result from sin entering into the world. Sometimes God uses disasters to judge people and nations—such as 1 Samuel 4. But we cannot say that every disaster or suffering we face is a result of divine judgment against our sin. To believe that would be the mistake that Job’s friends, Eliphas, Bildad and Zophar, made.
God never answers Job’s question of ‘why,’ but God does give us an answer. It’s hope. 1 Peter explains that suffering is a part of the Christian life but we are not left alone to struggle through it. As Christians we are born into a new and living hope because of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). God’s blessings are not always immediate, but through Christ he always gives us strength for today. The final word on every disaster is Christ’s resurrection and glorification. There is hope and there is strength but it is only in Christ. The glory of God may have departed from Israel when they lost the Ark (v. 21-22), but it returned when Christ rose from the dead. And this glory we will never lose.
Posted by Aaron Miner
The story revolves around Hophni and Phinehas and their father Eli. They are so obtuse, they have no idea that God is against them (v. 3). Unlike Joshua they do not ask why God was against them, only what they schemed to do next. They were truly worthless men (1 Samuel 2:12). Israel and the house of Eli were being judged for their wickedness. God has abandoned them because they have forsaken God and his commands (1 Samuel 2:29). Judgment has come upon Eli and his house.
So are all disasters judgments from God? Unfortunately the answer is not a simple yes or no. Indirectly, all disasters result from sin entering into the world. Sometimes God uses disasters to judge people and nations—such as 1 Samuel 4. But we cannot say that every disaster or suffering we face is a result of divine judgment against our sin. To believe that would be the mistake that Job’s friends, Eliphas, Bildad and Zophar, made.
God never answers Job’s question of ‘why,’ but God does give us an answer. It’s hope. 1 Peter explains that suffering is a part of the Christian life but we are not left alone to struggle through it. As Christians we are born into a new and living hope because of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). God’s blessings are not always immediate, but through Christ he always gives us strength for today. The final word on every disaster is Christ’s resurrection and glorification. There is hope and there is strength but it is only in Christ. The glory of God may have departed from Israel when they lost the Ark (v. 21-22), but it returned when Christ rose from the dead. And this glory we will never lose.
Posted by Aaron Miner
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