Apr
24
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 28-29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
Samuel said, “Why do you [Saul] consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors – to David. Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines. (1 Samuel 28:16-19)
OBSERVATION:
Back in 1 Samuel 15, Samuel had sent Saul on a mission from the Lord to destroy everything belonging to the Amalekites, including the Amalekites themselves. But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and the cattle, the fat calves and lambs – everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed. (1 Samuel 15:9). Saul thought he had done a good thing but Samuel informed Saul that due to his disobedience, Saul would be destroyed. Now, 13 chapters later, that promise is being carried out. Saul is losing his kingdom to David, who has joined forces with the Philistines.
APPLICATION:
There is a song we sing at church and actually the first time I heard it was this past summer at New Staff Training. I forget the name of the song, but some of the lyrics are, Remember your people, remember your children, remember your promises, O God. I immediately applied that to His promise of salvation and that although this world sees so much suffering and pain, one day it will all end. But God keeps all of His promises, good and bad. When we disobey, there will be consequences. There are things I’ve done in my past that I am not proud of, nor happy about. Sometimes I forget about that part of my life, like it never happened. I was disobedient to the Lord. Those actions have brought consequences that sometimes affect me today. Yes the Lord forgives us for our sins, but we still have to face the consequences of our actions. Praise God that He is with us through it all!
PRAYER:
Father God, thank you so much for your grace, mercy and love. Without you, I would be lost and empty. Please forgive me for the actions of my past, and let that not hinder my future. Amen