Life has not returned to a normal slow pace, but rather has become more hectic. I apologize for the lack of suitable posts, and for no post at all a few times.
This week, I had one thing stand out for me.
Have you ever been angry with God?
We have now read of two men who were angry with God. Both of them were men of God. The first was David, and the second was Jonah.
Let's look to 2 Samuel 6 to see why David became angry with God.
They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD , with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.
Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. (2 Samuel 6:3-8)
We often look at this from our human standpoint and think how harsh this punishment was. We reason that Uzzah was acting with good intent to steady and protect the holy ark of the covenant. Or perhaps it was simply a reflex action on his part. We struggle to understand why God would kill a man for this seemingly inoffensive act. But those are presumptions on our part.
First, who can see into the heart of man: man or God? Secondly, God had proclaimed that touching His holy things would result in death (Numbers 4:15), so was a forewarned consequence. Thirdly, could not the God who created the universe, who brought plagues on Egypt, who divided the waters of the sea and the Jordan, and who performed many other miracles not protect His own holy items?
There is also the matter of the method of transporting the ark. Read the passage above again and you will see that the Israelites placed the ark on a cart. God's instructions for construction and transporting were that priests, Levites - Kohathites in particular, were to carry the ark with poles. (Exodus 25:10-15, Deuteronomy 10:8, Numbers 4:15)
David later realized (after searching the scriptures, perhaps) why Uzzah had been so "harshly" punished.
Then David summoned Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab the Levites. He said to them, "You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the LORD , the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way." So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the LORD , the God of Israel. (1 Chronicles 15:11-14)
The ark was holy. The ark was a powerful representation of the presence of God Himself among men unequalled until the coming of Jesus. Most of us today probably do not comprehend what it is to truly treat something holy.
Whether intentional or unintentional by reflex, whether good intention or self-serving intention, Uzzah's action was not one of holy reverence.
- - -
The second man we read about becoming angry with God, was Jonah - as we read this week.
Jonah was instructed by God to go to Nineveh and preach to them in order for them to repent of their sins against God so that He would not destroy them. Of most particular interest in this is that Nineveh was the capitol city of the great ancient world empire of Assyria. They were *gentiles*! God was instructing His Israelite prophet to preach to gentiles!
Assyrians were particularly brutal and sinful, and were a threat and danger to Israel as their enemies. Jonah hated Assyrians and wanted to see Israel's enemy destroyed. You know the story. He went 180 degrees in the opposite direction to escape God's command, but God raised a storm on the sea and prepared a fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah, in the belly of the fish, repented and after 3 days he was coughed up on the shore and headed toward Nineveh. He obeyed, preached repentance to the Ninevites, and they repented and turned to God.
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD , "O LORD , is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. (Jonah 3:10, 4:1-2)
God in turn asked Jonah a pointed question:
But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4)
God then provided Jonah with an object lesson:
Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live."
But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?" "I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die."
But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" (Jonah 4:5-11)
God asked, Do you have the right to be angry?
Isaiah delivers the words of God:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD . "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
How could we possibly understand God's thoughts or His ways? How can we understand what it is to treat Him and His things as holy?
Are we ever justified in being angry with God? I don't think David was, I don't think Jonah was, and I don't think we would be.
Thoughts?
Showing posts with label David. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Week 20
Week 20
This week will be extremely brief. There were two points that I would have liked to have discussed, but both are theologically advanced and I couldn't do justice to either in the short time I had left to me for study.
Those points were:
1) The Messiah being priest (and king) after the order of Melchizedek when the "established" priesthood of the Jews as of the Aaronic order from the Levites.
2) The Lord was sitting at God's right hand and would crush kings on the day of His wrath.
If anyone wishes to question or comment on either of these points, please feel free to, and we can discuss them over the coming days.
What I want to discuss quickly is the short passage of David conducting a census of the fighting men of Israel. Last week, I touched on a point that while our sins may be forgiven, there are consequences. This is another prime example of that fact.
Why was it a sin or why did it anger God for David to conduct a census? Before this time, David relied soley on God's strength, protection, and promises. In counting the fighting men of Israel, he was measuring his own strength rather than relying on God.
God then gave David the option of choosing his own punishment.
My parents did that with me on occassion; did yours? I would be offered a lengthy grounding, extra chores, or a spanking (which was NOT insignificant when delivered by my Dad). Each of the choices I faced were very disagreeable and painful to me, but I had to choose the one that I would have to face as the consequence for my action.
Can you imagine being in David's place with God on the other side waiting to dispense punishment? To choose between being routed in warfare, a famine, or a plague - each punishment would result in obvious loss of lives - the very lives that David had counted as his own strength.
I do not envy David's position. We see in the scripture that David was grief stricken at the loss of lives because of His actions. We see also that God was grief stricken at the loss of lives.
What I want to point out that struck me most is that of the three choices given David, David chose the one that placed himself in the hand of God.
David said to Gad, "I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD , for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."
In warfare, he would be directly in the hands of men. In famine, he would be reliant on men for aid and food. By choosing the plague of the angel ravaging Israel, David returned to relying on God instead of man.
That's the lesson I wish to learn from this episode of David's life: to stop relying on my own strengh, my own intelligence, my own talents and skills, and my own cunning and wit. I want to learn to lean on God for my strength, my protection, and my provision, as I trust Him alone for my deliverance.
Amen.
This week will be extremely brief. There were two points that I would have liked to have discussed, but both are theologically advanced and I couldn't do justice to either in the short time I had left to me for study.
Those points were:
1) The Messiah being priest (and king) after the order of Melchizedek when the "established" priesthood of the Jews as of the Aaronic order from the Levites.
2) The Lord was sitting at God's right hand and would crush kings on the day of His wrath.
If anyone wishes to question or comment on either of these points, please feel free to, and we can discuss them over the coming days.
What I want to discuss quickly is the short passage of David conducting a census of the fighting men of Israel. Last week, I touched on a point that while our sins may be forgiven, there are consequences. This is another prime example of that fact.
Why was it a sin or why did it anger God for David to conduct a census? Before this time, David relied soley on God's strength, protection, and promises. In counting the fighting men of Israel, he was measuring his own strength rather than relying on God.
God then gave David the option of choosing his own punishment.
My parents did that with me on occassion; did yours? I would be offered a lengthy grounding, extra chores, or a spanking (which was NOT insignificant when delivered by my Dad). Each of the choices I faced were very disagreeable and painful to me, but I had to choose the one that I would have to face as the consequence for my action.
Can you imagine being in David's place with God on the other side waiting to dispense punishment? To choose between being routed in warfare, a famine, or a plague - each punishment would result in obvious loss of lives - the very lives that David had counted as his own strength.
I do not envy David's position. We see in the scripture that David was grief stricken at the loss of lives because of His actions. We see also that God was grief stricken at the loss of lives.
What I want to point out that struck me most is that of the three choices given David, David chose the one that placed himself in the hand of God.
David said to Gad, "I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD , for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."
In warfare, he would be directly in the hands of men. In famine, he would be reliant on men for aid and food. By choosing the plague of the angel ravaging Israel, David returned to relying on God instead of man.
That's the lesson I wish to learn from this episode of David's life: to stop relying on my own strengh, my own intelligence, my own talents and skills, and my own cunning and wit. I want to learn to lean on God for my strength, my protection, and my provision, as I trust Him alone for my deliverance.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Week 19
Week 19 - I hope you have enjoyed this week's reading on the fascintating life of David.
* Points to consider:
I want to look at several things from this week's passages.
First, David's most notable sin.
If you are familiar with David at all, you are familiar with his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. She was the wife of Uriah, the Hittite. Uriah was one of David's mighty men - his most valiant warriors. But what caused David's downfall?
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. (2 Samual 11:1,2)
God had raised David up to lead the Israelites and to rule over them. For whatever reason, David was being neglectful of the position and responsibilty that God gave him. During this time of history, kings led their armies into battle, but David stayed home and spent his days laying about in his bed even late into the day. His laxness and idleness was an opening for temptation.
Certainly these situations are not the only times that temptations come. But by creating these situations, we open ourselves up to additional temptations. I understand this from my own experiences, and you might know it as well. As David's life shows, when we are neglectful of following God as we should be, we allow openings for temptation.
=======
Second, David's forgiveness.
There are people who think that God would never forgive them because they feel their sins are too great.
Adultery and murder are two sins specifically condemned in the ten commandments. Under the law, adulterers and murders were to be stoned to death. Scripture tells us that the shedding of innocent blood is one of the things God hates.
David's laxness in his duty to lead God's people led to his temptation of Bathsheba. With this one episode of his life, David - a man after God's own heart - became an adulterer and a murderer.
---
Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. (2 Samuel 11:2)
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17)
---
David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. (2 Samuel 11:4)
"You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)
---
Now in the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. He had written in the letter, saying, "Place Uriah in the front line of the fiercest battle and withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and die." (2 Samuel 11:14,15)
"You shall not murder. (Exodus 20:13)
---
Sadly, adultery in today's society isn't viewed from God's standards as a heinous sin. It's common place in our society, in our movies and books, and even in our churches. However, our society still views murder as evil. Even with the sins of adultery and murder, God forgave David.
So David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. (2 Samuel 12:13)
As followers of Christ, we can rely on the great promise of forgiveness.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
So, don't let Satan convince you that you are too bad of a person for God to forgive.
=======
Third, While sins are forgiven, there are still or may be consequences.
God told David that because of his treachery against Uriah, that the sword would never leave his house - ie: the House of David would be troubled with violence. A further consequence, and a more immediate one, was that the son conceived by his tryst with Bathsheba would not live.
Not all consequences are immediate or extreme. Perhaps the consequence of a sin may be a missed blessing that would have been given. Perhaps the consequence is the constant struggle with a habit developed in sin - a habit that Satan is only too happy to exploit.
When we sin, God is willing and ready to forgive us, but we may have consequences to deal with because of our sins that we will deal with for the remainder of our lives.
========
Fourth, the story of Absalom and David is a type of picture of the human relationship with God.
We, mankind, are the "Absaloms" of the world. Absalom did everything he could to dethrone David as king and become his own king. Although it seemed he succeeded when David retreated, David was never dethroned.
We, like Absalom, try to remove God from His throne. We put our jobs ahead of Him. We put our sports ahead of Him. We put our entertainment ahead of Him. We put our science ahead of Him and try to dethrone him with atheism and evolution and laws. We do our best to remove Him from His throne in our lives.
Sadly, in many lives it seems to be successful. In Absalom's life it seemed to be successful. Just as when David retreated and it had the appearance that David no longer reigned, in many lives today it has the appearance that God no longer reigns. But just as David was not dethroned, God will never be dethroned. It may appear so in a person's life, but it is a deception; a veil drawn over their eyes.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " (Romans 14:11)
But then we see again an example of how David had the heart of God in sorrow for the lost. Even in Absalom's rebellion, David loved him and sought to save him. Even in our rebellion, God loves us and seeks to save us.
In the last verse of 2 Samuel 18, David weeps and cries out "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would that I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son!"
You can feel the absolute anguish of an utterly broken heart in David's words. Try to now imagine the Father's anguish when a rebellious person dies in rejection of Him and the free gift of salvation through Jesus that He offers.
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
David would have preferred to die to save his son's life. God did die to save us whoever accepts Him.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Had Absalom, an incestuous murderer and usurper, simply come to David for forgiveness, David would have welcomed Him back with weeping, rejoicing, and open arms.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
* Points to consider:
I want to look at several things from this week's passages.
First, David's most notable sin.
If you are familiar with David at all, you are familiar with his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. She was the wife of Uriah, the Hittite. Uriah was one of David's mighty men - his most valiant warriors. But what caused David's downfall?
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. (2 Samual 11:1,2)
God had raised David up to lead the Israelites and to rule over them. For whatever reason, David was being neglectful of the position and responsibilty that God gave him. During this time of history, kings led their armies into battle, but David stayed home and spent his days laying about in his bed even late into the day. His laxness and idleness was an opening for temptation.
Certainly these situations are not the only times that temptations come. But by creating these situations, we open ourselves up to additional temptations. I understand this from my own experiences, and you might know it as well. As David's life shows, when we are neglectful of following God as we should be, we allow openings for temptation.
=======
Second, David's forgiveness.
There are people who think that God would never forgive them because they feel their sins are too great.
Adultery and murder are two sins specifically condemned in the ten commandments. Under the law, adulterers and murders were to be stoned to death. Scripture tells us that the shedding of innocent blood is one of the things God hates.
David's laxness in his duty to lead God's people led to his temptation of Bathsheba. With this one episode of his life, David - a man after God's own heart - became an adulterer and a murderer.
---
Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. (2 Samuel 11:2)
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17)
---
David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. (2 Samuel 11:4)
"You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)
---
Now in the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. He had written in the letter, saying, "Place Uriah in the front line of the fiercest battle and withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and die." (2 Samuel 11:14,15)
"You shall not murder. (Exodus 20:13)
---
Sadly, adultery in today's society isn't viewed from God's standards as a heinous sin. It's common place in our society, in our movies and books, and even in our churches. However, our society still views murder as evil. Even with the sins of adultery and murder, God forgave David.
So David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. (2 Samuel 12:13)
As followers of Christ, we can rely on the great promise of forgiveness.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
So, don't let Satan convince you that you are too bad of a person for God to forgive.
=======
Third, While sins are forgiven, there are still or may be consequences.
God told David that because of his treachery against Uriah, that the sword would never leave his house - ie: the House of David would be troubled with violence. A further consequence, and a more immediate one, was that the son conceived by his tryst with Bathsheba would not live.
Not all consequences are immediate or extreme. Perhaps the consequence of a sin may be a missed blessing that would have been given. Perhaps the consequence is the constant struggle with a habit developed in sin - a habit that Satan is only too happy to exploit.
When we sin, God is willing and ready to forgive us, but we may have consequences to deal with because of our sins that we will deal with for the remainder of our lives.
========
Fourth, the story of Absalom and David is a type of picture of the human relationship with God.
We, mankind, are the "Absaloms" of the world. Absalom did everything he could to dethrone David as king and become his own king. Although it seemed he succeeded when David retreated, David was never dethroned.
We, like Absalom, try to remove God from His throne. We put our jobs ahead of Him. We put our sports ahead of Him. We put our entertainment ahead of Him. We put our science ahead of Him and try to dethrone him with atheism and evolution and laws. We do our best to remove Him from His throne in our lives.
Sadly, in many lives it seems to be successful. In Absalom's life it seemed to be successful. Just as when David retreated and it had the appearance that David no longer reigned, in many lives today it has the appearance that God no longer reigns. But just as David was not dethroned, God will never be dethroned. It may appear so in a person's life, but it is a deception; a veil drawn over their eyes.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " (Romans 14:11)
But then we see again an example of how David had the heart of God in sorrow for the lost. Even in Absalom's rebellion, David loved him and sought to save him. Even in our rebellion, God loves us and seeks to save us.
In the last verse of 2 Samuel 18, David weeps and cries out "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would that I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son!"
You can feel the absolute anguish of an utterly broken heart in David's words. Try to now imagine the Father's anguish when a rebellious person dies in rejection of Him and the free gift of salvation through Jesus that He offers.
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
David would have preferred to die to save his son's life. God did die to save us whoever accepts Him.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Had Absalom, an incestuous murderer and usurper, simply come to David for forgiveness, David would have welcomed Him back with weeping, rejoicing, and open arms.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Week 17
It was a great Week 17. Hope you all are well and still reading!
Point to consider:
For this post, I wanted to look at three different topics found in the psalms that we read this week.
#1 - A warning in the psalms.
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
(Psalm 2:2-6)
Does this strike you as echoing what is happening even now in our own time? Consider the recent arguments that our country wasn't founded on Christian ideals; consider the full-out attack to remove symbols of Christianity from public avenues; consider the war on keeping not only Godly creation as an option out of the science classes but even the secular Intelligent Design; consider that prayer was removed from schools; consider when in 2004 a minister in Sweden was jailed for "hate speech" for preaching inside his church against gay lifestyles - and a hate crime bill before the US House right now could potentially be used to do the same thing here; consider abortion laws and the extent to what its practice has been taken and remember that God hates the shedding of innocent blood; consider how just recently the Maryland state senate refused to journalize (and therefore acknowledge) the opening prayer because the minister offered it "in Jesus' name."; consider that Barak Obama's nominated judge to the 7th circuit court of appeals, David Hamilton, has ruled that prayer to Jesus is unconstitutional but prayers to Allah are not. These are just a few examples out of many hundreds you could find.
We've just recently read our passages regarding the times of the Israelite judges, and how when Israel turned from God and how they were punished as a nation.
We are now going to read how this continued into the kingdoms when the kings turned from God taking the nation with them, and how they were punished for it with war, slavery, and dispersement. Should we then too be afraid for our future if our leaders break away from God and throw off His ways?
Indeed, we should.
#2 - A picture in the psalms.
We've looked several times at various pictures of Christ in our Old Testament passages so far. Here is an interesting one that was originally a psalm that pictures an event in the life of Jesus.
For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. Then they
cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
(Psalm 107:25-30)
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (Matthew 8:24-27)
One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. (Luke 8:22-26)
#3 - A prophecy in the psalms.
As we look at this prophecy, let's establish a few points.
* David wrote the 22nd psalm around 1000BC
* Rome was not founded as a city until 753BC
* The earliest known crucifixion dates to around 500BC
* Jesus was crucified around 30AD
* Roman capitol punishment was crucifixion. Jewish capitol punishment was stoning.
Now, I will just show you the scriptures and let you think on these things.
- - -
Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
- - -
Psalm 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
John 1:11
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
- - -
Psalm 22:7
All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
Matthew 27:39
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
- - -
Psalm 22:8
"He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
Matthew 27:42-43
"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' "
- - -
Psalm 22:14
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
John 19:34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
- - -
Psalm 22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
John 19:28
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"
- - -
Psalm 22:16
Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
Matthew 27:27
Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him.
Mark 15:25
Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.
- - -
Psalm 22:17
I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
John 19:1
So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.
Matthew 27:39
And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads
Matthew 27:41
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.
- - -
Psalm 22:18
They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Matthew 27:35
When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
John 19:23-24
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."So this is what the soldiers did.
- - -
Point to consider:
For this post, I wanted to look at three different topics found in the psalms that we read this week.
#1 - A warning in the psalms.
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
(Psalm 2:2-6)
Does this strike you as echoing what is happening even now in our own time? Consider the recent arguments that our country wasn't founded on Christian ideals; consider the full-out attack to remove symbols of Christianity from public avenues; consider the war on keeping not only Godly creation as an option out of the science classes but even the secular Intelligent Design; consider that prayer was removed from schools; consider when in 2004 a minister in Sweden was jailed for "hate speech" for preaching inside his church against gay lifestyles - and a hate crime bill before the US House right now could potentially be used to do the same thing here; consider abortion laws and the extent to what its practice has been taken and remember that God hates the shedding of innocent blood; consider how just recently the Maryland state senate refused to journalize (and therefore acknowledge) the opening prayer because the minister offered it "in Jesus' name."; consider that Barak Obama's nominated judge to the 7th circuit court of appeals, David Hamilton, has ruled that prayer to Jesus is unconstitutional but prayers to Allah are not. These are just a few examples out of many hundreds you could find.
We've just recently read our passages regarding the times of the Israelite judges, and how when Israel turned from God and how they were punished as a nation.
We are now going to read how this continued into the kingdoms when the kings turned from God taking the nation with them, and how they were punished for it with war, slavery, and dispersement. Should we then too be afraid for our future if our leaders break away from God and throw off His ways?
Indeed, we should.
#2 - A picture in the psalms.
We've looked several times at various pictures of Christ in our Old Testament passages so far. Here is an interesting one that was originally a psalm that pictures an event in the life of Jesus.
For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. Then they
cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
(Psalm 107:25-30)
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (Matthew 8:24-27)
One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. (Luke 8:22-26)
#3 - A prophecy in the psalms.
As we look at this prophecy, let's establish a few points.
* David wrote the 22nd psalm around 1000BC
* Rome was not founded as a city until 753BC
* The earliest known crucifixion dates to around 500BC
* Jesus was crucified around 30AD
* Roman capitol punishment was crucifixion. Jewish capitol punishment was stoning.
Now, I will just show you the scriptures and let you think on these things.
- - -
Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
- - -
Psalm 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
John 1:11
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
- - -
Psalm 22:7
All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
Matthew 27:39
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
- - -
Psalm 22:8
"He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
Matthew 27:42-43
"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' "
- - -
Psalm 22:14
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
John 19:34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
- - -
Psalm 22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
John 19:28
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"
- - -
Psalm 22:16
Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
Matthew 27:27
Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him.
Mark 15:25
Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.
- - -
Psalm 22:17
I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
John 19:1
So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.
Matthew 27:39
And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads
Matthew 27:41
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.
- - -
Psalm 22:18
They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Matthew 27:35
When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
John 19:23-24
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."So this is what the soldiers did.
- - -
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Week 15
Week 15 has had some great lessons, hasn't it?
Topic of interest:
* There are many wonderful promises from God in the Psalms that we have began reading. Some of my favorites are from Psalm 34. Although Christianity in the U.S. has not experienced persecution (yet), there are many countries in the world where Christians are persecuted even to death. Jesus told the disciples that if people persecuted Him, they can be certain that they would be persecuted as well. But through it all, Jesus said, He would not leave them or forsake them. That promise is extended to His disciples today.
Psalm 34:7 - The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.
Psalm 34:19 - A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Psa 34:22 - The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Point to consider:
I've decided this week to continue looking at the character of David.
God called Abraham His friend (Isaiah 41:8). God spoke with Moses face to face just as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11, Numbers 12:6-8). But David is identified as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) as we read last week.
One particular point of David's character stood out with me this week as an aspect of being a man after God's own heart.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His
life. (Romans 5:8, 10)
This passage from Romans shows that God extended His love to us even when we all were sinners, lost and spiritually dead, and His enemies. The salvation He offers is free for the taking for anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Certainly, Saul was David's enemy. We have read over and again the times that Saul attempted to kill David, or sent men to kill David. David fled before him and prayed to God for deliverence (as we read in his psalms). But even so, David refused to raise his hand against Saul, even when pressed by his followers, because Saul was annointed by God. David revered God's annointing even though the man who had been annointed was seeking to murder him.
Then Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle with the Philistines. When David learned of their deaths, he wept, mourned, and lamented for them both (2 Samuel 1:11, 12, 17). Saul and Jonathan represent polar opposites in David's life. Saul was David's enemy yet Jonathan was David's dearest friend - closer than a brother. David lamented the death of his enemy just as deeply and earnestly as he did for his dearest friend.
David's reverence for God's annointed and the love he had for those who hated him shows one aspect of being a man after God's own heart.
Jesus would later teach:
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (Matthew 5:44, 46, 47)
As with everything else, Jesus didn't just teach it verbally, He taught it by living it for our example:
When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:33-34)
Being a man after God's own heart doesn't mean that person is perfect as God is perfect. As evidence, we will see sins and bad choices in David's life in the coming chapters. But, I do have to reflect on my life in light of these examples and commands. Certainly, we all know that not everyone is "loveable", but Jesus didn't just die for the sins of the "loveable" people. Do I love people the way God loves people?
Topic of interest:
* There are many wonderful promises from God in the Psalms that we have began reading. Some of my favorites are from Psalm 34. Although Christianity in the U.S. has not experienced persecution (yet), there are many countries in the world where Christians are persecuted even to death. Jesus told the disciples that if people persecuted Him, they can be certain that they would be persecuted as well. But through it all, Jesus said, He would not leave them or forsake them. That promise is extended to His disciples today.
Psalm 34:7 - The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.
Psalm 34:19 - A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Psa 34:22 - The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Point to consider:
I've decided this week to continue looking at the character of David.
God called Abraham His friend (Isaiah 41:8). God spoke with Moses face to face just as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11, Numbers 12:6-8). But David is identified as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) as we read last week.
One particular point of David's character stood out with me this week as an aspect of being a man after God's own heart.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His
life. (Romans 5:8, 10)
This passage from Romans shows that God extended His love to us even when we all were sinners, lost and spiritually dead, and His enemies. The salvation He offers is free for the taking for anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Certainly, Saul was David's enemy. We have read over and again the times that Saul attempted to kill David, or sent men to kill David. David fled before him and prayed to God for deliverence (as we read in his psalms). But even so, David refused to raise his hand against Saul, even when pressed by his followers, because Saul was annointed by God. David revered God's annointing even though the man who had been annointed was seeking to murder him.
Then Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle with the Philistines. When David learned of their deaths, he wept, mourned, and lamented for them both (2 Samuel 1:11, 12, 17). Saul and Jonathan represent polar opposites in David's life. Saul was David's enemy yet Jonathan was David's dearest friend - closer than a brother. David lamented the death of his enemy just as deeply and earnestly as he did for his dearest friend.
David's reverence for God's annointed and the love he had for those who hated him shows one aspect of being a man after God's own heart.
Jesus would later teach:
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (Matthew 5:44, 46, 47)
As with everything else, Jesus didn't just teach it verbally, He taught it by living it for our example:
When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:33-34)
Being a man after God's own heart doesn't mean that person is perfect as God is perfect. As evidence, we will see sins and bad choices in David's life in the coming chapters. But, I do have to reflect on my life in light of these examples and commands. Certainly, we all know that not everyone is "loveable", but Jesus didn't just die for the sins of the "loveable" people. Do I love people the way God loves people?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Week 14
Week 14 is nearly finished, and I'm not having to rush to post this week, although it is again the last day.
Is everyone still reading? Is anyone up to date?
Topic of interest:
* Interesting similarities:
God's chosen was favored by God and man.
1 Samuel 2:26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
God's chosen was rejected for another.
1 Samuel 8:5 - They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have."
John 18:39b-40a - Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?" They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!"
Point to consider:
This week, I've chosen to do a very brief, very basic character study of two of the men prominent in our passages this week.
Saul.
We are first introduced to Saul as a young man out searching for lost donkeys that belonged to his father. We might conclude that he was a considerate man from his statement about his father not worrying about the donkeys any longer and begin to worry about his safety. It isn't long after this that Samuel informs him that God has chosen Saul to be Israel's king.
Saul was a humble man.
Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?" (1 Samuel 9:21)
Proven by Samuel's words and by his prophecies of signs fulfilled that very day regarding Saul, Saul is then uncertain of himself.
When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. So they inquired further of the LORD , "Has the man come here yet?" And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage." (1 Samuel 10:20-22)
As Saul, newly proclaimed king, is returning from plowing behind his oxen, he receives news that the Ammonites have attacked an Israelite town. We see at this time, he accepts his position while acknowledging God's authority and direction by pairing himself with God's prophet.
Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen." Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man. (1 Samuel 11:6-7)
At some point Saul began to rely on himself and his position even to the point of assuming the role of priest and prophet.
Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, "Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings." And he offered the burnt offering. (1 Samuel 13:8-9)
For this transgression, Samuel informs Saul that he will not hold the throne of the kingdom, and that God has selected another man already to replace him.
Even this did not have the effect on Saul as it should have. He became prideful. Worse yet, God had judged the evil ways of the Amalekites and had established Saul and the Israelites to execute His righteous judgment. Saul, however, did not obey the command of God to utterly destroy the Amalekites once and for all. (See my post for Week 10 for a brief statement regarding this command and the ill effects of Saul's partial obedience)
This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'" Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, "Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal." When Samuel reached him, Saul said, "The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD's instructions." But Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?" (1 Samuel 15:2-3, 12-14)
Samuel summed up the matter.
Samuel said, "Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission, saying, 'Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.' Why did you not obey the LORD ? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD ?" But Samuel said to him, "I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD , and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!" (1 Samuel 15:17-19, 26)
Discussion suggestion: Samuel said that God rejected Saul as king over Israel. Even though Saul quickly descended into jealously and murderous intent against David, David still identified Saul as God's anointed man. Does this mean that God rejected Saul as king but not as an individual? Does God withdraw his anointing?
David.
Before we are introduced to David, he is described as being a man after God's own heart. We are first introduced to David, the youngest of Jesse's eight sons, as a youth brought in from shepherding. We next learn that he has already established a name or reputation for himself, even at this early age, as a handsome, well-spoken, brave man of war. This is apparently even before his famous defeat of the giant, Goliath, as we are told that David went back and forth between serving Saul and tending his father's flocks.
Saul responded when the Ammonites attacked Jabesh Gilead when the Spirit of God came over him. Now we see him standing before the Philistines with a paltry Israelite army as Goliath taunts them daily and defies the Lord.
David responded, and not in his own strength. His reliance was totally aligned with God.
This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. (1 Samuel 17:46)
After this Saul schemed for David's death, and when those failed, he sought to kill David himself. David fled from Saul many times, living hidden in the wilderness, and obeyed God in defending Israelite towns from attack.
When David was hidden in a cave, and Saul entered alone to relieve himself, David's men urged him to kill Saul then. David was chosen by God to be king, had the promise of a kingdom, and had even been anointed by Samuel. Removing Saul would have hurried his position to the throne.
Abraham had the promise of an heir in his old age. When it didn't happen when Abraham thought it should, and an opportunity presented itself, he took matters into his own hands. The result was Ishmael was born and his descendents were enemies of Israel.
Jacob had the promise of blessing and position over his older brother Esau (also called Edom). When it didn't happen when Jacob (and his mother Rebekah) thought it should, and an opportunity presented itself, he took matters into his own hands. The result was hatred arose in Esau for Jacob (also called Israel) and his descendents were enemies of Israel.
Saul had the promise of being king of Israel. When preparing to war against the Philistines, he was to wait for Samuel to arrive and make sacrifices and offerings to God for His blessing and instruction. When it didn't happen when Saul thought it should, he took matters into his own hands. He unlawfully performed the sacrifices, and the result was that God would not establish his kingdom forever, but give it to another man.
David had the promise of being king of Israel although Saul was still king. When David an opportunity arose and he found himself in a cave where Saul entered unprotected, he refrained from taking matters into his own hands. David refused raising a hand against one God had placed in position and annointed. He knew the promise was his and would wait for God to deliver in His own time.
Ourselves.
Saul was chosen, established, and blessed. However, along the way, he changed from being humble to being prideful. He lost his focus on ruling over God's people by God's laws, and focused his attention on himself. He became puffed up with pride from the blessing he received, and jealous of having it taken away to the point of savage anger and murderous intent against his own son.
David was not perfect, as we will see in coming chapters, but he did have a heart for God and His ways. He bravely faced the 9-foot-plus giant, Goliath, relying only on God's power so that God alone would receive the glory among the nations. He kept himself in alignment with God, and heeded God's word.
We are presented with two different characters in these two men that reflect how we may relate to God: one negative, one positive. How many times do we jump the gun in God's plans rather than waiting for His timing? How many times to we lose our focus on Him to focus on our own position and power.
My prayer is that I keep my eyes on Him, work according to His plan and not my own, and to bring Him glory and not myself.
Is everyone still reading? Is anyone up to date?
Topic of interest:
* Interesting similarities:
God's chosen was favored by God and man.
1 Samuel 2:26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
God's chosen was rejected for another.
1 Samuel 8:5 - They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have."
John 18:39b-40a - Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?" They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!"
Point to consider:
This week, I've chosen to do a very brief, very basic character study of two of the men prominent in our passages this week.
Saul.
We are first introduced to Saul as a young man out searching for lost donkeys that belonged to his father. We might conclude that he was a considerate man from his statement about his father not worrying about the donkeys any longer and begin to worry about his safety. It isn't long after this that Samuel informs him that God has chosen Saul to be Israel's king.
Saul was a humble man.
Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?" (1 Samuel 9:21)
Proven by Samuel's words and by his prophecies of signs fulfilled that very day regarding Saul, Saul is then uncertain of himself.
When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. So they inquired further of the LORD , "Has the man come here yet?" And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage." (1 Samuel 10:20-22)
As Saul, newly proclaimed king, is returning from plowing behind his oxen, he receives news that the Ammonites have attacked an Israelite town. We see at this time, he accepts his position while acknowledging God's authority and direction by pairing himself with God's prophet.
Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen." Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man. (1 Samuel 11:6-7)
At some point Saul began to rely on himself and his position even to the point of assuming the role of priest and prophet.
Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, "Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings." And he offered the burnt offering. (1 Samuel 13:8-9)
For this transgression, Samuel informs Saul that he will not hold the throne of the kingdom, and that God has selected another man already to replace him.
Even this did not have the effect on Saul as it should have. He became prideful. Worse yet, God had judged the evil ways of the Amalekites and had established Saul and the Israelites to execute His righteous judgment. Saul, however, did not obey the command of God to utterly destroy the Amalekites once and for all. (See my post for Week 10 for a brief statement regarding this command and the ill effects of Saul's partial obedience)
This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'" Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, "Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal." When Samuel reached him, Saul said, "The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD's instructions." But Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?" (1 Samuel 15:2-3, 12-14)
Samuel summed up the matter.
Samuel said, "Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission, saying, 'Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.' Why did you not obey the LORD ? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD ?" But Samuel said to him, "I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD , and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!" (1 Samuel 15:17-19, 26)
Discussion suggestion: Samuel said that God rejected Saul as king over Israel. Even though Saul quickly descended into jealously and murderous intent against David, David still identified Saul as God's anointed man. Does this mean that God rejected Saul as king but not as an individual? Does God withdraw his anointing?
David.
Before we are introduced to David, he is described as being a man after God's own heart. We are first introduced to David, the youngest of Jesse's eight sons, as a youth brought in from shepherding. We next learn that he has already established a name or reputation for himself, even at this early age, as a handsome, well-spoken, brave man of war. This is apparently even before his famous defeat of the giant, Goliath, as we are told that David went back and forth between serving Saul and tending his father's flocks.
Saul responded when the Ammonites attacked Jabesh Gilead when the Spirit of God came over him. Now we see him standing before the Philistines with a paltry Israelite army as Goliath taunts them daily and defies the Lord.
David responded, and not in his own strength. His reliance was totally aligned with God.
This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. (1 Samuel 17:46)
After this Saul schemed for David's death, and when those failed, he sought to kill David himself. David fled from Saul many times, living hidden in the wilderness, and obeyed God in defending Israelite towns from attack.
When David was hidden in a cave, and Saul entered alone to relieve himself, David's men urged him to kill Saul then. David was chosen by God to be king, had the promise of a kingdom, and had even been anointed by Samuel. Removing Saul would have hurried his position to the throne.
Abraham had the promise of an heir in his old age. When it didn't happen when Abraham thought it should, and an opportunity presented itself, he took matters into his own hands. The result was Ishmael was born and his descendents were enemies of Israel.
Jacob had the promise of blessing and position over his older brother Esau (also called Edom). When it didn't happen when Jacob (and his mother Rebekah) thought it should, and an opportunity presented itself, he took matters into his own hands. The result was hatred arose in Esau for Jacob (also called Israel) and his descendents were enemies of Israel.
Saul had the promise of being king of Israel. When preparing to war against the Philistines, he was to wait for Samuel to arrive and make sacrifices and offerings to God for His blessing and instruction. When it didn't happen when Saul thought it should, he took matters into his own hands. He unlawfully performed the sacrifices, and the result was that God would not establish his kingdom forever, but give it to another man.
David had the promise of being king of Israel although Saul was still king. When David an opportunity arose and he found himself in a cave where Saul entered unprotected, he refrained from taking matters into his own hands. David refused raising a hand against one God had placed in position and annointed. He knew the promise was his and would wait for God to deliver in His own time.
Ourselves.
Saul was chosen, established, and blessed. However, along the way, he changed from being humble to being prideful. He lost his focus on ruling over God's people by God's laws, and focused his attention on himself. He became puffed up with pride from the blessing he received, and jealous of having it taken away to the point of savage anger and murderous intent against his own son.
David was not perfect, as we will see in coming chapters, but he did have a heart for God and His ways. He bravely faced the 9-foot-plus giant, Goliath, relying only on God's power so that God alone would receive the glory among the nations. He kept himself in alignment with God, and heeded God's word.
We are presented with two different characters in these two men that reflect how we may relate to God: one negative, one positive. How many times do we jump the gun in God's plans rather than waiting for His timing? How many times to we lose our focus on Him to focus on our own position and power.
My prayer is that I keep my eyes on Him, work according to His plan and not my own, and to bring Him glory and not myself.
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