1 Samuel

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“So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up” (1 Samuel 15:30 NKJV)

May 30, 2015

When David was betrayed, he fled from Jerusalem going East towards the Mount of Olives. As he climbed the Mount he wept and prayed that God would have mercy on him. God heard David’s prayer and restored him to the throne. Centuries later, Jesus, Son of David, left Jerusalem to pray on that same Mount. Weeping he prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). God prevented David’s betrayer from succeeding, but Jesus’ betrayer found him there on the Mount of Olives and turned him over to the authorities to be crucified. God showed David mercy, but poured out the judgment that belonged to us all upon His Son, Jesus. Jesus took the wages of our sin, so that God could show not only David, but all of us His mercy.

“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV)

May 21, 2015

When David and his 600 men returned to their town of Ziklag, they found it burning and their families taken captive by the Amalekites. They were so distraught that they spoke of stoning David. What do you do in times of trial or when others turn against you? Where do you turn for help? David turned to the Lord. He knew how to encourage himself in God. Do you know this spiritual discipline? Instead of medicating the pain or commiserating with others, David sought help from the Lord and found it.

‘And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth”‘ (1 Samuel 17:33 NKJV)

May 15, 2015

Saul appraised David’s chances at success based on outward appearance and worldly wisdom. He couldn’t see David’s heart. For if he could, he would’ve seen the heart of a lion, one who was after God’s own heart. Besides, it pleases God to take the small to overcome the great. In this, God receives greater praise. God cares more for your availability, than your ability. David made himself available. And God did the rest.

“Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself” (1 Samuel 15:12 NKJV)

May 14, 2015

Saul’s true character is revealed. Saul led Israel to attack the Amalekites as God commanded, but he did not utterly destroy them, sparing the king and the best of the spoils. Not only did he take spoils, but he “set up a monument for himself” in Carmel, taking credit for God’s victory. Saul’s character was revealed in this. Although he started out exhibiting low self-esteem, he now shows his true heart of pride and desire for man’s approval. This is often true. Low self-esteem is really the flip side of the same coin: pride. Instead of esteeming “self,” we should esteem God. Those who esteem God over self, have a right and healthy view of self.

‘And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly”‘ (1 Samuel 13:13 NKJV)

May 12, 2015

When Saul failed to wait on the prophet Samuel to make the burnt offering and instead offered it himself, Samuel corrected him. I must admit, I relate to Saul’s impatience. After all, Samuel was running late and Saul’s army was getting restless, with many of them going AWOL. Saul was worried about winning the upcoming battle when he should have been focused on being obedient to God. Be careful not to put God’s work before His worship, nor fear of man, rather than God.

‘Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us”‘ (1 Samuel 7:12 NKJV)

May 9, 2015

Samuel called the Israelites to Mizpah for an assembly of repentance and recommitment, but the Philistines heard about their gathering and attacked. God fought for Israel and they overcame for the first time in a generation. There, Samuel set up a large stone to remind them of God’s help, calling it Ebenezer or “stone of help.” Samuel understood that we are a forgetful people and need reminders. Some of us journal, writing it down when God rescues. Some carry a chip to commemorate their years of sobriety. Others compose a song, like “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” singing: “Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.” Do you have an “Ebenezer” to remember what God as done for you?

“So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats” (1 Samuel 24:2 NLT)

May 19, 2014

David and his six hundred men hid in the caves of En Gedi while Saul’s troops searched for him. This was a difficult wilderness experience for David, but an important and formative season for him as well. He wrote many of his psalms during this time. He learned to lead his men and himself through difficulty by depending on the Lord. He experienced trial, hunger and suffering, yet God provided for him and his followers. This trial also revealed David’s heart of integrity, as he refused to murder the Lord’s anointed, Saul, when he found him vulnerable in a cave. David’s days in the caves of En Gedi prepared him for his days on the throne in Jerusalem.

“David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'” (1 Samuel 17:45 NLT)

May 15, 2014

What David said to Goliath as they closed for battle revealed his heart and passion for God’s Name. It was this same David who inspired of the Holy Spirit wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). We can depend on God’s Name for victory in our lives too. The Name of Jesus is given to us to call upon. We can ask anything in Jesus’ strong Name and the Father hears us. What giant are you facing today? Call upon Jesus. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

“Then Saul said, ‘Let’s chase the Philistines all night and plunder them until sunrise. Let’s destroy every last one of them.’ His men replied, ‘We’ll do whatever you think is best.’ But the priest said, ‘Let’s ask God first'” (1 Samuel 14:36 NLT)

May 13, 2014

It’s difficult to read the stories about King Saul, Israel’s first king. Although he reigned for 40 years, his leadership style was fraught with short-sighted and ill-conceived tactics, blustering, macho-inspired dictates, people-pleasing priorities, and most of all – a failure to seek God first in all things. In spite of this, God used Saul to lead Israel and in many ways he was one of its better kings. It’s just so tragic to watch from a distance though, because Saul may have been one of Israel’s greatest kings if only he would’ve feared God more than man. And sought God’s pleasure more than pleasing people. Saul’s kingship is a study in leadership failure.

“And the Lord came and called as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel replied, ‘Speak, your servant is listening.’” (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT)

May 8, 2014

While young Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle he was awakened a fourth time by the voice of the Lord calling him. The first three times he ran to Eli, thinking his old master was calling him. He didn’t yet recognize God’s voice. After the third time old Eli realized that God must be calling to Samuel, so he instructed him on how to answer. When Samuel replied as Eli instructed, God spoke to him. From that day forward Samuel was confirmed as a prophet. Throughout Israel he was respected as a prophet of God whose word was reliable. Samuel had to learn to hear God’s voice and respond. Have you learned to hear from God? Are you willing to get up in the middle of the night to hear from Him?