January 8th

GOD IS SELDOM IN A HURRY – BUT HE IS NEVER LATE

Back to Saul….

He was a young man when he became king of Israel and he reigned for many years.  Over time, he raised a might army and he and his son Jonathan were very successful in battle. 

During the early part of his reign, Saul’s successes came because he continually relied on God.  He often sought counsel from Samuel, his chief priest,  and followed his advice.  He let Samuel lead sacrifices and spiritual ceremonies. 

During one battle, Jonathan attacked and killed the Philistine governor.  The news traveled fast throughout the Philistine empire and the quickly rose and army to march against Israel.  Samuel had forewarned Saul that all this would happen.  He had encouraged Saul to not be afraid and when he went out to battle to meet the Philistines to wait for him (Samuel) to arrive and offer a sacrifice to God to ensure the victory.

Saul did as he was told and waited for seven days, the time set by Samuel.  But Samuel didn’t show.  So Saul took charge and took matters into his own hands.  He went ahead and sacrificed the burnt offering.  About the time he finished, Samuel showed up.  Samuel quickly chastised Saul and told him that because Saul had refused to wait on God that God was already looking for his replacement.  His impatience was going to cost him his kingdom.

Why did Saul become so impatient?  Well…remember what his fault was?  Saul was a people pleaser.  He cared what others thought.  He had no patience to wait for God’s timing and was unable to lead others to do so either.  Waiting for God was supposed to be his chance to shine – to lead his men in a great victory.  He probably cracked under the pressure of doubt from his men.  As they criticized his waiting instead of taking action – he caved to re-earn their respect.  He took matters into his own hands and began his own downfall.

Always wait on the Lord.  When you take matters into your own hands and try to force situations into being, we lose God’s goodness.  We miss out on his blessing. 

Verse:  Hebrews 10: 34b-39 – Knowing you have for yourselves a better possession and abiding one.  Therefore, do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.  For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come and not delay.  But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has not pleasure in him.  But we are not those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.