Highlights:
Saul makes a foolish vow (I Sam. 14:24-30). Then he disobeys the direct command of God. First we read of Eli the priest, then Samuel the prophet, and Saul the king. Next enters David the shepherd boy who becomes the God-anointed King of Israel. His Seed (Descendant) will be our promised Savior, our High Priest, Prophet, and King of kings. Don't miss the "rags to riches" account of this shepherd boy.
Verses for Today:
Samuel also said unto Saul . . . hearken thou unto the . . . words of the Lord. . . . smite Amalek, and . . . destroy all that they have. . . . Saul . . . spared Agag, and the best of . . . all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them (I Sam. 15:1,3,9).
Saul was influenced by the godly prophet Samuel at the beginning of his reign, and served the people as the servant of God. But it wasn't long before his decisions were calculated to maintain popularity with the people. Saul wanted Samuel's blessing but, when he had to make a choice between obedience to God, he chose to please the people. And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel? (15:17).
Pleasing the people was more important to Saul than having God rule his life. Saul confessed to Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the Commandment of the Lord . . . because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice (15:24).
We need to always remind ourselves of Samuel's inspired Word of God to Saul: Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. . . . For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (15:22-23). The Israelites were suffering from the misrule of a king who would not be ruled by God, and God used Samuel to bring about a change.
Few things are so subtle or destructive to our spiritual lives as pride. Our unconditional motive needs to be a desire to know and do the will of God as revealed in His Word. The Word of God exposes the deceitfulness and dangers of pride. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord. . . . Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:5,18). The person that is truly called of God will recognize that their ability to fulfill His call comes only from the Lord and His Word.
Thought for Today:
These six things doth the Lord hate: yeah, seven are an abomination unto Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren. My son, keep thy Father's Commandment (Prov. 6:16-20).
Christ Revealed:
Through David's name (I Sam. 16:13) which means beloved. David is a type of Jesus, whom the Heavenly Father called: My beloved Son (Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35).
Word Studies:
14:24 adjured =threatened under oath; 14:31 smote =struck down; 14:41 perfect lot =right answer; 14:47 took the kingdom =took possession; vexed =harassed; 14:52 sore =fierce, severe; 15:29 repent =change His mind; 15:32 delicately =tearfully; 16:18 comely =handsome.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Nathan A. Goad • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Official: Rep. Peter King (NY) • Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe • Major languages: Danish and Faroese • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Boldly and confidently go to God in prayer through Jesus' Name (Eph. 3:12).
Optional Reading: Acts 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:9-10
