READ: 1 Samuel 11 and 12
An event happens in chapter 11
that solidifies Saul’s leadership and authority in Israel. The northern
Israelites living in Jabesh-Gilead are being dismally threatened by the
Ammonites. They send for help across the nation and the people’s response is
one of tears; apparently they assume they are unable to help their brothers –
until Saul hears about it. We see here another example of God equipping Saul
for his kingly duties. The Spirit of the Lord again rushes upon him, as in the
time of the judges, kindling his anger and moving him to action. Suddenly, meek
boy turns mighty warrior! Saul steps up to respond and calls together the
Israelites, who jump at his command. The Lord gives victory and coronation
takes place as the people wholly embrace Saul as their king.
Chapter 12 brings us to a
speech given by Samuel. Through it the Lord convicts the people of their sin in
asking for a king. The people are truly sorry, and again we see the merciful
and abundantly faithful heart of God. Though they have sinned, He will not
abandon them, and He is still pleased to call them His people. Samuel, also,
will not cease praying for them, but will continue to intercede on their
behalf. What a relief, that despite our failings, God does not fail us!
People are hungry for
leadership. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where
there is no vision, people perish.” We were created to belong. Adam and Eve
were placed in Eden, the Garden of the Lord. It was a place where they could
speak openly to their Creator, a place where the sound of “God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Gen. 3:8) could
be heard. It was a place where all needs were met and contentment was in the
palm of their hands. They were being led by their Creator; the pots were being
used for the purpose that the Potter had crafted them for. But in their pride
and with unguarded hearts, they clung to deception and broke the sweet communion
that had been theirs. In judgement and mercy they were cast from the presence
of God, shut out from the place where their need for relationship and
leadership were fully met. And since then, man has been seeking to find safety
and security under the leadership of others – longing for someone to fill the
void that became a reality when Eden became a thing of the past. However, the
wonderful life found in Eden is the true
life that is still in the future of those who become children of God. People
need leaders who will lead them towards this life – towards the hope and the
future that is found in Jesus, that is
Jesus.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. What
is the life that Jesus offers? What does it include? How have you experienced
this life?
2. Ask
God to speak to you about how you are a leader. How can you lead others to the
life He offers today?
3. Have
you spoken about your leaders (work, church, family, government, etc.) in a
negative way? Read Romans 13 and ask God to speak to you through it. Confess as
the Lord convicts you, and ask God to fill your heart with love for those who
lead you. Then pray for them as the Holy Spirit directs you.
