1 Samuel 9-14 / April 9 & 10 (Day 100 & 101)

4/9/2012

When Samuel anointed Saul to be king in 1 Samuel chapter 10, he told him how he would prophecy and “be turned into another man,” and the Bible says, “God gave him another heart” (vrs. 9). God was able to change him into a “king” in a moment, but this didn’t mean he had a heart after God’s like David’s. Saul would bravely lead Israel to fight against their enemies but he continued to disobey the LORD’s commands also.

In chapter 13, Saul takes things into his own hands and offers a burnt sacrifice even though he knew that it was Samuel’s job. From the beginning, the actions of Saul show he is moved by circumstance and not the command of the LORD.

Chapter 14 is a very powerful account of what happens when there is faith and unity. Jonathan says to his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:6, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." His armor responds in verse 7, "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart." They fought and won by the power of God because they were unified together in faith.

2 Comments

Shari

4/10/2012 03:25:11 am

“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
1 samuel 15:22

We need to learn how to apply these scripture to our lives today. I think many of times it's more convenient to do things our way than to listen to what the Lord may be asking of us.

Just read in John Bevere's book for example that when he was watching a football game God asked him to pray with only 8 minutes left of the game. He reasoned he would pray up to five hours after the game and thought this was quit gracious of himself. But after the game the burden was gone, and John Bevere realized he was willing to sacrificing but was not being obedient.

We just need to be mindful that these truths also apply to us today, eventhough we don't sacrifice rams today we try to sacrifice in other areas rather than obey.

Joshua

4/11/2012 12:21:51 am

that's true

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