RTW April 12

Don’t Be Wise In My Own Eyes

Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn’t come.
1 Samuel 13:8

 

 

My Takeaways

Something Old

Then go down to Gilgal ahead of me. I will join you there to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. You must wait for seven days until I arrive and give you further instructions. 1 Samuel 10:8

Saul became inpatient

He saw… his troops were scattering. He had lost control. Perhaps because he had stayed in Gilgal. (1 Samuel 13:8)

He took… matters into his own hands. (1 Samuel 13:9)

He felt… the compelled to offer the sacrifice. (1 Samuel 13:12)

He lost… his position. (1 Samuel 13:14)

When we take matters into our own hands we will be on the losing side every time.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

Something New

The only two people in Israel who had a sword were Saul and Jonathan.

Something to Do

Just wait on God.

 

 

 

 

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7 Comments

  1. Saul rushed things out of fear. Acting on my fear can sometimes lead to sin,.

    Jonathan had such BIG FAITH! Yet he still proposed a test – perhaps this was more for the armor bearer’s benefit?

    Saul was so self-centered. It was all about SAUL winning the battle, being victorious and defeating the Philistines. But Jonathan was all about the Lord “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few”.

    I loved Guzik’s comparison of David & Saul.

    “A man after His own heart: What does this mean? We can discover this by looking at the man who was nota man after His own heart (Saul) and comparing him to the man who wasa man after His own heart (David).

    i. A man after God’s heart honors the LORD. Saul was more concerned with his will than God’s will. David knew God’s will was most important. Even when David didn’t do God’s will, he still knew God’s will was more important. All sin is a disregard of God, but David sinned more out of weakness and Saul more out of a disregard for God.

    ii. A man after God’s heart enthrones God as king. For Saul, Saul was king. For David, the LORD God was king. Both David and Saul knew sacrifice before battle was important. But David thought it was important because it pleased and honored God. Saul thought it was important because it might help him win the battle. Saul thought God would help him achieve his goals. David thought that God was the goal.

    iii. A man after God’s heart has a soft, repentant heart. When Saul was confronted with his sin he offered excuses. When David was confronted with his sin he confessed his sin and repented (2 Samuel 12:13).

    iv. A man after God’s heart loves other people. Saul became increasingly bitter against people and lived more and more unto himself, but David loved people. When David was down and out he still loved and served those who were even more down and out (1 Samuel 22:1-2).”

    Sadly, I’m more like Saul than David – but He that begin a good work in me is STILL conforming me more into His image!

    2. Such a powerful declaration. Thanks for sharing the song Jen. Adding the Worship Initiative to my list of Christian musicians.

  3. ~The verses from Proverbs that Wendy listed are my life verses. My Something To Do is related: Be patient and wait for the Lord’s timing. I thought of Wendy’s book, Wait and See, also as I was reading the passage for today.
    ~I noted the contrast between Saul and Jonathan. Saul was fearful when his troops began to disperse and took matters into his own hands, which ultimately cost him the kingship. Jonathan stated, “nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or few.” (1 Sam 14:6)

  4. Why was it ok for Jonathan to live after he broke a vow but it wasn’t ok for Jephthah daughter?

  5. We always use the age old excuse when God wants to use us-God, my background is insignificant. Just like Gideon, Saul tried to talk Samuel out of anointing him. He said 1Sam 9:21, I am only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families in the tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?

    God uses anyone He chooses. If He used Rahab and Gideon, he can use me.

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