April 8, 2006 - I Samuel 10-12 and Luke 9:37-62
Sometimes, we are reluctant to accept God's will and sometimes we have a hard time understanding it. When this happens God does not just get angry and forget about us. He wishes that we would trust without having to see a sign, but He usually gives us one. That is because God knows us and loves us. We see God giving several signs in this passage. He was trying to help them. Do you realize that He is trying to help you today? I pray that you will allow Him to help you in whatever area you have a need.
In chapter 10 Samuel anoints Saul as king. He gives him three signs that would prove God's will. The last sign was the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, and he would prophesy. That was a big change for Saul. In fact, the Bible tells us that God gave him a new heart. (v.9) Saul became a different person that day, and others could see the difference. I believe this was God's way of giving Saul every advantage to succeed as the king. That is what God does for us when He calls us to do something. He always gives us everything we need. He never leaves us without His power and provision.
However, in chapter 11 it seems that Saul had gone back to his regular life. He did not assume the throne immediately. It took the threat from the Ammonites to draw him out. Then, there was a great victory. He realized that God had done it. (v.13) He gave God the glory, and he started reigning as the king. That is how it is with us, too. Sometimes, God has called us and gifted us for a job, but we delay in following His commands. We are unsure of ourselves. We should be confident in the Lord, and go ahead and do His will.
Finally, Samuel addresses them one more time in chapter 12. He loves them, even in their disobedience. He has lived a life of integrity leading them in God's way. Now, he will step aside, but he admonishes them to trust God fully. If not, God will punish them. Nevertheless, he will continue to pray for them. It would be a sin not to pray for them. (v.23) How often do we cease to pray for someone when they disappoint us? This should never be the case. We should pray for them more. That is what Samuel did.
Luke 9 reminds us of some of very important truths. We can't do God's will without His power, just like the disciples could not heal the boy. We must pray and trust God for His provision in every instance. Then, the disciples wanted to know who was the greatest. That is the wrong question. In God's kingdom things are opposite from the world. The least is the greatest. Therefore, even their desire to be recognized was misplaced. They needed to look at Jesus. He was doing God's will without wanting recognition. He was going to the Cross for them. He had set His face to go to Jerusalem and die. That is a phrase that shows His determination. He was not going for an award. He was going to die for all people, but James and John wanted to kill the people who did not accept Him as He passed through Samaria. How could they be great with that attitude? It was impossible. They had to become fishers of men lovingly reaching out to everyone with the Gospel message. Let's all realize these things and set out to do them without looking back.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 13-14 and Luke 10:1-24.
In chapter 10 Samuel anoints Saul as king. He gives him three signs that would prove God's will. The last sign was the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, and he would prophesy. That was a big change for Saul. In fact, the Bible tells us that God gave him a new heart. (v.9) Saul became a different person that day, and others could see the difference. I believe this was God's way of giving Saul every advantage to succeed as the king. That is what God does for us when He calls us to do something. He always gives us everything we need. He never leaves us without His power and provision.
However, in chapter 11 it seems that Saul had gone back to his regular life. He did not assume the throne immediately. It took the threat from the Ammonites to draw him out. Then, there was a great victory. He realized that God had done it. (v.13) He gave God the glory, and he started reigning as the king. That is how it is with us, too. Sometimes, God has called us and gifted us for a job, but we delay in following His commands. We are unsure of ourselves. We should be confident in the Lord, and go ahead and do His will.
Finally, Samuel addresses them one more time in chapter 12. He loves them, even in their disobedience. He has lived a life of integrity leading them in God's way. Now, he will step aside, but he admonishes them to trust God fully. If not, God will punish them. Nevertheless, he will continue to pray for them. It would be a sin not to pray for them. (v.23) How often do we cease to pray for someone when they disappoint us? This should never be the case. We should pray for them more. That is what Samuel did.
Luke 9 reminds us of some of very important truths. We can't do God's will without His power, just like the disciples could not heal the boy. We must pray and trust God for His provision in every instance. Then, the disciples wanted to know who was the greatest. That is the wrong question. In God's kingdom things are opposite from the world. The least is the greatest. Therefore, even their desire to be recognized was misplaced. They needed to look at Jesus. He was doing God's will without wanting recognition. He was going to the Cross for them. He had set His face to go to Jerusalem and die. That is a phrase that shows His determination. He was not going for an award. He was going to die for all people, but James and John wanted to kill the people who did not accept Him as He passed through Samaria. How could they be great with that attitude? It was impossible. They had to become fishers of men lovingly reaching out to everyone with the Gospel message. Let's all realize these things and set out to do them without looking back.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 13-14 and Luke 10:1-24.