1 Samuel 27 -31
This was a really bizarre story and it most certainly raised quite a few questions.
Samuel died. It's doesn't really say much about it, other than, "all Israel had mourned for him." (28:3) Meanwhile, the Lord's spirit had left Saul and he needed advise for the upcoming battle. Since his adviser was dead, Saul went to see a medium (witch, psychic) to call up Samuel.
...and Samuel comes. What the heck? The first thing he says is, "Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?"
OK, first of of all, wow. Do psychics really talk to the dead? I've always been a skeptic when people claim to see or call up the dead. I mean, I realize there are psychics and I believe they really can communicate with the spirit world. But I guess I assumed it evil spirits. I thought it could be possible that the these spirits that have previously known some who are now dead, could know details about their lives and pretend to be them and speak through a "medium" who allows himself (or herself) to be used by those demon spirits.
Was this a one time event? Does this happen today? Do psychics really talk to the dead as the medium did in 1 Samuel?
Second thing, it makes no mention of this being wrong. It does say that Saul banned all mediums but nothing is mentioned in this context about how God feels or what He thinks about them. I know there is scripture that warns us about staying away from these practices, but this passage just tells that facts, as though it was an everyday occurrence and that there's really nothing wrong with it. That surprised me.
Then, Samuel tells Saul that he and his sons will be "here with me tomorrow". In other words they are going to die in battle, but will Saul really go to the same place Samuel has gone? Really?
Saul, whom the bible says, "God's spirit has left", is going to join Samuel, a man of God, a prophet? Where exactly is he? Is he in heaven? Does that mean Saul's going to heaven? ...or perhaps there's a pit stop where people are gathered and divided? I think somewhere in scripture it says that people "sleep" after they die, until Christ's return, but this is before Jesus walked the earth. And it's one of those things that you aren't really sure exactly how to interpret.
Gah!! So many questions!
Like I said, it's a bizarre little story that raises so many questions for me. It certainly doesn't make me question my faith in God, or my salvation through Jesus but I just kind of wonder about these things.
I'm a "question asker" to begin with. I don't just like to know how to do something, I want to know why it's done that way.
I believe that some of my questions will be answered as I dig in deeper to the word. But unfortunately, there are just some questions that I will never know...this side of heaven. And that's OK.
Because that, to me, is faith.
Not knowing everything, but still trusting.
Not seeing, but believing.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Endless possibilites
1 Samuel 18 - 26
"...and David continued to succeed in everything he did because the Lord was with him." (18:14)
How many more "battles" would I attempt if only I fully believed that I could succeed in everything I do becuase He's with me.
Actually, better than that - He's in me.
King Saul instructs David to kill 100 men in order to marry his daughter - so David kills 200! He grows famous, Saul quickly turns into an enemy and wants him killed.
David becomes a fugitive, running for his life.
Because David is obedient and recognizes that Saul is the Lord's anointed one (still king) he demonstrates that a righteous person respects God's chosen leaders even when that leader fails.
He has opportunity to kill him, but he doesn't. He waits for the Lord to rescue him from Sauls' power instead.
He says (24:12) "Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will not harm you."
He isn't sure whether God will strike Saul dead or if he'll simply die from old age but he vows to leave in His hands.
He also believes that that God will reward him for doing good and being loyal.
"The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal...now may the Lord value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May He rescue me from all my troubles." (26:23-24, speaking to Saul)
My spirit is encouraged and my faith strengthened when when I read a verse such as this (26:12), "the Lord put Saul's men in a deep sleep."
It always reminds me of the just how powerful God is, the length He will go to and how the possibilities are endless as to how He can come to our rescue if we just ask and believe.
"...and David continued to succeed in everything he did because the Lord was with him." (18:14)
How many more "battles" would I attempt if only I fully believed that I could succeed in everything I do becuase He's with me.
Actually, better than that - He's in me.
King Saul instructs David to kill 100 men in order to marry his daughter - so David kills 200! He grows famous, Saul quickly turns into an enemy and wants him killed.
David becomes a fugitive, running for his life.
Because David is obedient and recognizes that Saul is the Lord's anointed one (still king) he demonstrates that a righteous person respects God's chosen leaders even when that leader fails.
He has opportunity to kill him, but he doesn't. He waits for the Lord to rescue him from Sauls' power instead.
He says (24:12) "Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will not harm you."
He isn't sure whether God will strike Saul dead or if he'll simply die from old age but he vows to leave in His hands.
He also believes that that God will reward him for doing good and being loyal.
"The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal...now may the Lord value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May He rescue me from all my troubles." (26:23-24, speaking to Saul)
My spirit is encouraged and my faith strengthened when when I read a verse such as this (26:12), "the Lord put Saul's men in a deep sleep."
It always reminds me of the just how powerful God is, the length He will go to and how the possibilities are endless as to how He can come to our rescue if we just ask and believe.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
No armour for me please!
1 Samuel 16-18
God sends Samuel to find a replacement king in Chapter 16. He sends him to the home of a man named Jesse. When Samuel arrives he sees Jesse's son, Eliab, and assumes he must be the one.
But God tells him (vs7)
"Dont judge by his appearance or height for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make desisions the way you do! People judge by outward apprearance but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." (Love that verse! I think every woman should have this posted to their bedroom mirrors....)
It turns out Jesse's youngest, (David) a shephard boy, is the one. He's "brave and strong, good judgement, a fine looking man! He can play the harp and (best of all) the Lord is with him."
Side note: It just so happened that King Saul was looking for a harp player to help with his depression. Coinsidence? I think not.
Now, the next few chapters deliver a familiar story about young David killing a giant named Goliath. Along with Daniel in the lion's den, this tale's got to be the sitting at the top of the "bible story charts". I've heard it so many times, beginning waaay back in the days my Sunday school teacher used to act it out with felt characters and it's been the topic of many sermons, devotions and songs.
But it's so much more than a story. It's courage. It's deliverence. Most of all it's a humble man giving all the glory to God.
It should be stated that the Isrealites were completely terrified - including the king and his army! These are strong men that have fought, and won, many battles in the past.
However, young David can't believe Goliath has the nerve to defy the army of the living God! He instructs Saul "not to worry about a thing".
He informs King Saul that the same God that saves him from the lions and bears while caring for his sheep will protect him with this giant.
So humble!
Instead of bragging about clubbing a lion to death he recognizes that it's God that has come to his rescue.
...and he believes God will do it again. He completely trusts God. In fact, he refuses to wear armour.
The best part is that David isn't going to battle for fame and glory - he announces that "God is going to conquer their enemy and the whole world will know there is a God in Israel!"
At the end of the day (after squashing the enemy) he gives credit where credit is due, saying "the battle is HIS, not ours!"
It's so true. We go about life with all these daily battles, that we were never meant to fight alone. Jesus didn't suffer so we would wake up every morning terrified to face a new Goliath.
We try to change people in our life that "need" changin'. I just need to tell that person everytime they do something wrong...otherwise they won't know!
We curse ourselves every time we give in to "that" tempatation, whether it be food, lust, gossip...
We claim it's going to be a bad day before we even get out of bed! Ugh...I have that boring meeting today, this day is going to be the worst day ever!
Whether our "Goliath's" are habits we need to overcome, difficult people in our lives, sickness and disease or perhaps even terrible loss...and how dare we let it defy the living God!
The battles is HIS! He'll come to our rescue every time.
"Cast ALL your anxieties on Him, becuase He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
"Don't be afraid! Just stand where you are and let the Lord rescue you." (Ex 14:13)
From this day foward instead of seeing only giants when I open my eyes I will choose to "let the morning bring me word of His unfailing love, for I will put my trust in Him." (Psalm 143:8)
Goliath?? Oh yeah, that big guy that falls really hard.
I say, bring him on!
God sends Samuel to find a replacement king in Chapter 16. He sends him to the home of a man named Jesse. When Samuel arrives he sees Jesse's son, Eliab, and assumes he must be the one.
But God tells him (vs7)
"Dont judge by his appearance or height for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make desisions the way you do! People judge by outward apprearance but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." (Love that verse! I think every woman should have this posted to their bedroom mirrors....)
It turns out Jesse's youngest, (David) a shephard boy, is the one. He's "brave and strong, good judgement, a fine looking man! He can play the harp and (best of all) the Lord is with him."
Side note: It just so happened that King Saul was looking for a harp player to help with his depression. Coinsidence? I think not.
Now, the next few chapters deliver a familiar story about young David killing a giant named Goliath. Along with Daniel in the lion's den, this tale's got to be the sitting at the top of the "bible story charts". I've heard it so many times, beginning waaay back in the days my Sunday school teacher used to act it out with felt characters and it's been the topic of many sermons, devotions and songs.
But it's so much more than a story. It's courage. It's deliverence. Most of all it's a humble man giving all the glory to God.
It should be stated that the Isrealites were completely terrified - including the king and his army! These are strong men that have fought, and won, many battles in the past.
However, young David can't believe Goliath has the nerve to defy the army of the living God! He instructs Saul "not to worry about a thing".
He informs King Saul that the same God that saves him from the lions and bears while caring for his sheep will protect him with this giant.
So humble!
Instead of bragging about clubbing a lion to death he recognizes that it's God that has come to his rescue.
...and he believes God will do it again. He completely trusts God. In fact, he refuses to wear armour.
The best part is that David isn't going to battle for fame and glory - he announces that "God is going to conquer their enemy and the whole world will know there is a God in Israel!"
At the end of the day (after squashing the enemy) he gives credit where credit is due, saying "the battle is HIS, not ours!"
It's so true. We go about life with all these daily battles, that we were never meant to fight alone. Jesus didn't suffer so we would wake up every morning terrified to face a new Goliath.
We try to change people in our life that "need" changin'. I just need to tell that person everytime they do something wrong...otherwise they won't know!
We curse ourselves every time we give in to "that" tempatation, whether it be food, lust, gossip...
We claim it's going to be a bad day before we even get out of bed! Ugh...I have that boring meeting today, this day is going to be the worst day ever!
Whether our "Goliath's" are habits we need to overcome, difficult people in our lives, sickness and disease or perhaps even terrible loss...and how dare we let it defy the living God!
The battles is HIS! He'll come to our rescue every time.
"Cast ALL your anxieties on Him, becuase He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
"Don't be afraid! Just stand where you are and let the Lord rescue you." (Ex 14:13)
From this day foward instead of seeing only giants when I open my eyes I will choose to "let the morning bring me word of His unfailing love, for I will put my trust in Him." (Psalm 143:8)
Goliath?? Oh yeah, that big guy that falls really hard.
I say, bring him on!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
What could be worse?
1 Samuel 12 - 16
It's not only important to understand that God has our back, but we must also learn to wait on Him. To trust that he'll deliver in HIS time.
...and God's timetable doesn't always make sense, either. It can be unbearable, waiting. But today as I read, I learned that there is something far worse than waiting for God.
...and that's wishing you had.
Saul's king now. His kingdom, the Israelites, forget, for the gazillionth (is that a word?) time, who they are and Who is going to battle for them. They lose their courage when they see the enemy and begin hiding in holes and caves. They even find tombs to take refuge! I don't know, but, when the only options are to face my enemy or hide in an old tomb...I gotta tell ya, the enemy is looking pretty good!
Needless to say, the Philistines are moving in....and Israel is quickly moving out.
As Saul watches his men scatter he starts getting really nervous. Samuel had not arrived on the scene, like he said he would, and seven days had gone by. Finally, when he can stand it no more, when he's reached the point that he can no longer sit by watching his men tremble with fear - he sacrifices burnt offerings to God.
He just goes ahead and does it himself.
...and it costs him his kingdom.
You see, only priests could burn offerings to God and Saul knew that. He was instructed by Samuel to wait, he knew he was coming back. "But how long must I wait? Fear is growing among my men, surely Samuel isn't aware of that! Things have changed since he left a week ago."
Saul took over the role of the priest and in the process, he disregarded one of God's commands.
I believe one of Saul's biggest downfalls was his pride. At one time, the bible teaches, the spirit of the Lord was upon him - giving him great power!
But with great power came pride, and at one point, he decided that God didn't necessarily know best or that His timing was a little messed up.
Instead of obeying God, he decided what God wanted.
He did seem to have good intentions, though, asking God for help through sacrifices and offerings.
Another time, God told him to completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation. However, Saul saved the best livestock, to offer to God. Again, his intention seemed to be to please the Lord, but all he was really doing was disobeying Him.
God told Samuel He was sorry He ever appointed Saul as king, which seems kind of funny to me because God knew what Saul was going to do even before He made him king...but anyway. A replacement king had to be found. A man after God's own heart.
Saul admitted he sinned, however he placed blame on everyone else but himself. (I've aways told my children that an apology doesn't count if it comes along with a "but")
Samuel told him, in not so many words, that it was too late, for "He who is the glory of Isreal will not lie, nor will he change his mind." (15:29)
The bible says the spirit of the Lord had left Saul and sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.
I honestly can't imagine anything worse. Losing his kingdom was one thing. Being filled with depression and fear, quite another. Far worse than any of that though, would be to lose the spirit of the Lord.
Indeed some things are far worse than waiting on God.
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him." (Ps 62:5)
It's not only important to understand that God has our back, but we must also learn to wait on Him. To trust that he'll deliver in HIS time.
...and God's timetable doesn't always make sense, either. It can be unbearable, waiting. But today as I read, I learned that there is something far worse than waiting for God.
...and that's wishing you had.
Saul's king now. His kingdom, the Israelites, forget, for the gazillionth (is that a word?) time, who they are and Who is going to battle for them. They lose their courage when they see the enemy and begin hiding in holes and caves. They even find tombs to take refuge! I don't know, but, when the only options are to face my enemy or hide in an old tomb...I gotta tell ya, the enemy is looking pretty good!
Needless to say, the Philistines are moving in....and Israel is quickly moving out.
As Saul watches his men scatter he starts getting really nervous. Samuel had not arrived on the scene, like he said he would, and seven days had gone by. Finally, when he can stand it no more, when he's reached the point that he can no longer sit by watching his men tremble with fear - he sacrifices burnt offerings to God.
He just goes ahead and does it himself.
...and it costs him his kingdom.
You see, only priests could burn offerings to God and Saul knew that. He was instructed by Samuel to wait, he knew he was coming back. "But how long must I wait? Fear is growing among my men, surely Samuel isn't aware of that! Things have changed since he left a week ago."
Saul took over the role of the priest and in the process, he disregarded one of God's commands.
I believe one of Saul's biggest downfalls was his pride. At one time, the bible teaches, the spirit of the Lord was upon him - giving him great power!
But with great power came pride, and at one point, he decided that God didn't necessarily know best or that His timing was a little messed up.
Instead of obeying God, he decided what God wanted.
He did seem to have good intentions, though, asking God for help through sacrifices and offerings.
Another time, God told him to completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation. However, Saul saved the best livestock, to offer to God. Again, his intention seemed to be to please the Lord, but all he was really doing was disobeying Him.
God told Samuel He was sorry He ever appointed Saul as king, which seems kind of funny to me because God knew what Saul was going to do even before He made him king...but anyway. A replacement king had to be found. A man after God's own heart.
Saul admitted he sinned, however he placed blame on everyone else but himself. (I've aways told my children that an apology doesn't count if it comes along with a "but")
Samuel told him, in not so many words, that it was too late, for "He who is the glory of Isreal will not lie, nor will he change his mind." (15:29)
The bible says the spirit of the Lord had left Saul and sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.
I honestly can't imagine anything worse. Losing his kingdom was one thing. Being filled with depression and fear, quite another. Far worse than any of that though, would be to lose the spirit of the Lord.
Indeed some things are far worse than waiting on God.
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him." (Ps 62:5)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
En-courage, don't dis-courage!
1 Samuel 12
Samuel anoints Saul as king, in front of Israel.
Giving them just what they wanted.
He reminds them of all the great things God has done for them and informs them of a king's rights and duties.
"Yup, we know - it's just what we wanted."
They already had a king. An ever faithful king.
One who rescued them time and time again.
"Yeah, He was amazing but NOW we got what
we really wanted!"
Now, they have a "king" like other nations - a king that came with promises and warnings.
"If you and your king follow the Lord, all will be well." (12:14)
"Yes God! Thanks you SO much for giving us
what we...Wait. (record screech) What?"
Yup. So, isn't that just great. Now they don't just have to worry about what they are doing, but also their king.
"It's not enough that we need to fear and worship the Lord, but we need to make sure our king does as well? Or else...(gulp) your hand will be be heavy upon us?? Well, that's not what we asked for!"
You know, Samuel could have critized them. He knew what was going to happen - he was a prophet! He knew how dumb it was to reject God and ask for a king.
But instead, Samuel chose words to encourage them. He does confirm they were wrong - but he also tells them to move forward by doing what is right - worship God, alone - and don't turn away again.
He adds that he'll continue to pray for them.
I absolutely love what he says in verses 23-25 and will ask God to do the same in my life:
"Holy Spirit, teach me what is good and right, to fear the Lord and sincerely worship Him. Remind me of all the wonderful things He has done."
Samuel anoints Saul as king, in front of Israel.
Giving them just what they wanted.
He reminds them of all the great things God has done for them and informs them of a king's rights and duties.
"Yup, we know - it's just what we wanted."
They already had a king. An ever faithful king.
"Yes, praise the Lord but this is really what we wanted."
One who rescued them time and time again.
"Yeah, He was amazing but NOW we got what
we really wanted!"
Now, they have a "king" like other nations - a king that came with promises and warnings.
"If you and your king follow the Lord, all will be well." (12:14)
"Yes God! Thanks you SO much for giving us
what we...Wait. (record screech) What?"
Yup. So, isn't that just great. Now they don't just have to worry about what they are doing, but also their king.
"It's not enough that we need to fear and worship the Lord, but we need to make sure our king does as well? Or else...(gulp) your hand will be be heavy upon us?? Well, that's not what we asked for!"
You know, Samuel could have critized them. He knew what was going to happen - he was a prophet! He knew how dumb it was to reject God and ask for a king.
But instead, Samuel chose words to encourage them. He does confirm they were wrong - but he also tells them to move forward by doing what is right - worship God, alone - and don't turn away again.
He adds that he'll continue to pray for them.
I absolutely love what he says in verses 23-25 and will ask God to do the same in my life:
"Holy Spirit, teach me what is good and right, to fear the Lord and sincerely worship Him. Remind me of all the wonderful things He has done."
Smack dab in the middle!
1 Samuel 9-12
So, doing as he's told, Samuel sets out to find them a king - trusting in the Lord.
Now, I absolutely love how he "finds" a king! It's a beautiful reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, working in my life, even when I can't see how. Even when I don't feel like He is.
OK, so this is what happens:
1. There's this guy named Saul and his dad loses his donkey.
(Hmmmm....God moment #1?)
Lesson #1: Life's inconveniences might not be from the enemy but from God himself.
2. Saul and his servant go looking for the donkey. His servant "conveniently" remembers a man named, Samuel and thinks this guy might be able to tell them where to look for the donkey. He actually says, "Hey, I just thought of something!"
(God moment #2. Yeah right....God much? You just "thought" of something? You are looking for a donkey and you believe some random guy might be able to tell you where it is??)
Lesson #2: Learn to listen! It just might be a nudge from the Holy Spirit.
3. So they go to town, where Samuel "just happens" to come out and meet them. Apparently, God had told Samuel the previous day that a man would by coming by and that he was to become the first king of Israel.
(God moment #3 - How cool is that? OK - so God might not be as forward as that with us, but He does still speak)
Lesson #3: It's not enough to listen, but I need to act when God speaks.
So, there ya have it! God was at work, right smack dab in the middle!
God's still in the business of gettin' in the middle. He rolls up his heavenly sleeves and digs in as much today as He ever did. The bible says He's unchanging. "He's the same yesterday, today and forever", (Heb 13:8) so if He did it then, He does it now!
Maybe the difference is us. It doesn't say how God told Samuel. We assume God spoke to him in a supernatural vision or perhaps He wrote a divine message in the sand! Maybe, it was a dream!! Or maybe...Samuel's just a good listener.
Maybe we need to slow down a bit and learn to hear God when He speaks. Maybe we need to get more in tune with what God has to say to us. It could be a hunch, or something we read, or perhaps a word from a wise friend.
God still gets in the middle, today. But it's not enough to recognize that. It's not enough, even, to hear Him. We need to do what He says!
Samuel went out to meet Saul and his servant as they entered the city. I'm sure he felt a little weird about doing that. I'm guessing he probably had better things to do that day and wondered if he was just wasting his time. He may have even questioned as to whether or not anyone would even show up. But still, he chose to do as God told him to.
One of my favorite preachers, Joyce Meyer, always says, "You do what you can do and God will do what you can't."
Samuel walked out of the city to meet some men he really didn't know. That's what he could do. He couldn't cause them to lose their donkey. He couldn't tell them to go and look for it. He couldn't lead them to his region, Zuph. That was all stuff God had to do.
You do what you can and God will do what you can't.
He'll get in the middle today, the same way He did yesterday and the same way He will tomorrow.
So, doing as he's told, Samuel sets out to find them a king - trusting in the Lord.
Now, I absolutely love how he "finds" a king! It's a beautiful reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, working in my life, even when I can't see how. Even when I don't feel like He is.
OK, so this is what happens:
1. There's this guy named Saul and his dad loses his donkey.
(Hmmmm....God moment #1?)
Lesson #1: Life's inconveniences might not be from the enemy but from God himself.
2. Saul and his servant go looking for the donkey. His servant "conveniently" remembers a man named, Samuel and thinks this guy might be able to tell them where to look for the donkey. He actually says, "Hey, I just thought of something!"
(God moment #2. Yeah right....God much? You just "thought" of something? You are looking for a donkey and you believe some random guy might be able to tell you where it is??)
Lesson #2: Learn to listen! It just might be a nudge from the Holy Spirit.
3. So they go to town, where Samuel "just happens" to come out and meet them. Apparently, God had told Samuel the previous day that a man would by coming by and that he was to become the first king of Israel.
(God moment #3 - How cool is that? OK - so God might not be as forward as that with us, but He does still speak)
Lesson #3: It's not enough to listen, but I need to act when God speaks.
So, there ya have it! God was at work, right smack dab in the middle!
God's still in the business of gettin' in the middle. He rolls up his heavenly sleeves and digs in as much today as He ever did. The bible says He's unchanging. "He's the same yesterday, today and forever", (Heb 13:8) so if He did it then, He does it now!
Maybe the difference is us. It doesn't say how God told Samuel. We assume God spoke to him in a supernatural vision or perhaps He wrote a divine message in the sand! Maybe, it was a dream!! Or maybe...Samuel's just a good listener.
Maybe we need to slow down a bit and learn to hear God when He speaks. Maybe we need to get more in tune with what God has to say to us. It could be a hunch, or something we read, or perhaps a word from a wise friend.
God still gets in the middle, today. But it's not enough to recognize that. It's not enough, even, to hear Him. We need to do what He says!
Samuel went out to meet Saul and his servant as they entered the city. I'm sure he felt a little weird about doing that. I'm guessing he probably had better things to do that day and wondered if he was just wasting his time. He may have even questioned as to whether or not anyone would even show up. But still, he chose to do as God told him to.
One of my favorite preachers, Joyce Meyer, always says, "You do what you can do and God will do what you can't."
Samuel walked out of the city to meet some men he really didn't know. That's what he could do. He couldn't cause them to lose their donkey. He couldn't tell them to go and look for it. He couldn't lead them to his region, Zuph. That was all stuff God had to do.
You do what you can and God will do what you can't.
He'll get in the middle today, the same way He did yesterday and the same way He will tomorrow.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Just like everyone else
1 Samuel 8
Samuel's starting to get old so he appoints his sons as judges.
His greedy, money hungry, sons.
They're nothing like their father and Israel's sees right through them, they want nothing to do with them. Instead, they request a king so "they can be just like other nations".
Samuel's really upset. Heartbroken, he goes before God for advise. God's reply touches my heart, for it gives me a glimpse into His:
"Do as they say, for it's me they're rejecting. They don't want ME as their king anymore. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods." (8:7-8)
Ugh! It's too bad the Israelites didn't have giant shoes so they could have just kicked God in the mighty stomach! How sad! A loving father, being rejected by his children.
I have two kids, myself. One's a teen and the other a young adult. I admit I tend to get upset when they take me for granted. I feel a little sorry for myself, go hide in a corner and lick my wounds hopingno one someone will notice.
How much more would the sting of rejection be! MY children? Turning their back on me? After ALL I've done for them?
I can only imagine the grief God felt.
God still loves them and He does what any loving parent would do - he urges Samuel to send warnings of how a king will treat them.
But....Israel still wants a king.
They still want to be like other nations.
Once again, I see myself mirrored in an entire nation.
Everyday, there's a struggle within me over who I am....why can't I be like everyone else? Why can't I sing like the worship leader? It's not fair that my house isn't as nice as my friend's. I wish I were bold like that person? If only I were more soft spoken like that lady.
It's as though I size myself up upon entering a room, comparing myself to everyone around me....at least in some small way. Couldn't I just have the best parts of everyone all wrapped up...in me?
Prideful much? Really though, that's what insecurity is. It's a form of pride! I'm basically saying, the person who God created me to be, isn't good enough.
God had a wonderful plan for the Israelites - but they rejected His plan and came up with their own - so they can be just like everyone else.
"Lord, help me to be happy with who I am, exactly who I am. More importantly, help me see who I am going to become, through you. I pray that I will spend my energy being the best me, fulfilling the plans and purpose you have for me instead of striving to be something that I am not."
Samuel's starting to get old so he appoints his sons as judges.
His greedy, money hungry, sons.
They're nothing like their father and Israel's sees right through them, they want nothing to do with them. Instead, they request a king so "they can be just like other nations".
Samuel's really upset. Heartbroken, he goes before God for advise. God's reply touches my heart, for it gives me a glimpse into His:
"Do as they say, for it's me they're rejecting. They don't want ME as their king anymore. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods." (8:7-8)
Ugh! It's too bad the Israelites didn't have giant shoes so they could have just kicked God in the mighty stomach! How sad! A loving father, being rejected by his children.
I have two kids, myself. One's a teen and the other a young adult. I admit I tend to get upset when they take me for granted. I feel a little sorry for myself, go hide in a corner and lick my wounds hoping
How much more would the sting of rejection be! MY children? Turning their back on me? After ALL I've done for them?
I can only imagine the grief God felt.
God still loves them and He does what any loving parent would do - he urges Samuel to send warnings of how a king will treat them.
But....Israel still wants a king.
They still want to be like other nations.
Once again, I see myself mirrored in an entire nation.
Everyday, there's a struggle within me over who I am....why can't I be like everyone else? Why can't I sing like the worship leader? It's not fair that my house isn't as nice as my friend's. I wish I were bold like that person? If only I were more soft spoken like that lady.
It's as though I size myself up upon entering a room, comparing myself to everyone around me....at least in some small way. Couldn't I just have the best parts of everyone all wrapped up...in me?
Prideful much? Really though, that's what insecurity is. It's a form of pride! I'm basically saying, the person who God created me to be, isn't good enough.
God had a wonderful plan for the Israelites - but they rejected His plan and came up with their own - so they can be just like everyone else.
"Lord, help me to be happy with who I am, exactly who I am. More importantly, help me see who I am going to become, through you. I pray that I will spend my energy being the best me, fulfilling the plans and purpose you have for me instead of striving to be something that I am not."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)