So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?”
“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the LORD’s commands and have followed the Baals. - 1 Kings 18:16-18 NIV
It is so easy to dismiss God's true prophets, especially when they are prophesying doom and reminding the people of their sins. No one wants to hear bad news. We always want to believe that everything is going to be alright, that our sins are ok, that we can continue on as before. We want prophets like those of Ahab who always told him what he wanted to hear. We don't want prophets like Elijah, who hear the word of the true God. Those who prophesy God's doom are always considered the kooks, the outsiders, the ones who don't know what they are talking about.
The prophets are not the problem. The problem is and has always been sin; separation from God. God gave his people ten, only ten, commandments which Jesus said could be further condensed down to only two: love the Lord God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. If Israel could not keep those few commandments, how could they be expected to listen to the word of God spoken by the true prophet?
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
1 Kings 10-14:
In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. He carried off the treasures of the temple of the LORD and the treasures of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made. - 1 Kings 14:25-26 NIV
In spite of all his wisdom, everything that Solomon had amassed, all the wealth, all the tribute, disappeared within five years of his death. Solomon may have been wise in an earthly sense, but not in a Godly sense, as a result all of his wisdom was in vain.
In spite of all his wisdom, everything that Solomon had amassed, all the wealth, all the tribute, disappeared within five years of his death. Solomon may have been wise in an earthly sense, but not in a Godly sense, as a result all of his wisdom was in vain.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
1 Kings 5-9 : God's Eyes and Heart Are Always There
The LORD said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. - 1 Kings 9:3 NIV
Until you stand at the wailing wall in Jerusalem, you cannot fully understand these words to Solomon as the temple in Jerusalem was dedicated. It isn't just being surrounded by all of the people worshipping there. It isn't something you understand, it is something you know. As God told Solomon, his eyes and heart will always be there. That is why, when you write your prayer requests on a small sliver of paper, fold it and slide it into a small crack in the foundation you feel your petition has been received by God. A powerful force still surrounds the place where Solomon created a permanent home for the Lord God.; where God ceased to occupy a nomadic tent and settled down to make his home with those he loved and who loved him. When you stand in the remains of the temple, you realize that God meant it when he said "My eyes and my heart will always be there".
Until you stand at the wailing wall in Jerusalem, you cannot fully understand these words to Solomon as the temple in Jerusalem was dedicated. It isn't just being surrounded by all of the people worshipping there. It isn't something you understand, it is something you know. As God told Solomon, his eyes and heart will always be there. That is why, when you write your prayer requests on a small sliver of paper, fold it and slide it into a small crack in the foundation you feel your petition has been received by God. A powerful force still surrounds the place where Solomon created a permanent home for the Lord God.; where God ceased to occupy a nomadic tent and settled down to make his home with those he loved and who loved him. When you stand in the remains of the temple, you realize that God meant it when he said "My eyes and my heart will always be there".
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
1 Kings 1-4: A Discerning Heart
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” - 1 Kings 3:11-14 NIV
For most of us, discernment is low on the list of things we ask of God. We ask for healing, for provision, and perhaps even for wisdom in our financial decisions, but discernment, particularly as it relates to the will of God is not a priority.
Why is discernment so important? Discernment, I believe, implies that we see things as God sees them, not as society, tradition, or prejudices see things, but as God sees them. Discernment frees us from our own biases. Discernment acts based not on what is best for us, but what aligns with the heart of God. Our society might not be in the situation it is if more Christians had approached the world with a discerning heart rather than one of judgement and self preservation. Discernment means that sometimes we ignore our own comfort zone and operate in the comfort zone of God. That is after all the wisest and safest place to be.
For most of us, discernment is low on the list of things we ask of God. We ask for healing, for provision, and perhaps even for wisdom in our financial decisions, but discernment, particularly as it relates to the will of God is not a priority.
Why is discernment so important? Discernment, I believe, implies that we see things as God sees them, not as society, tradition, or prejudices see things, but as God sees them. Discernment frees us from our own biases. Discernment acts based not on what is best for us, but what aligns with the heart of God. Our society might not be in the situation it is if more Christians had approached the world with a discerning heart rather than one of judgement and self preservation. Discernment means that sometimes we ignore our own comfort zone and operate in the comfort zone of God. That is after all the wisest and safest place to be.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
2 Samuel 21-24: His Unfailing Love
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. - 2 Sam. 22:17. NIV
We live in times that are very much similar to David's time. We are surrounded by enemies who not only do not follow the God that we follow, but who would also love nothing better than to destroy us all. How do you live under those circumstances where there are constant threats against your survival and more importantly against your faith. The threat was constantly around David to abandon his faith: to trust in anything other than the God of Israel, to trust in the size of his army, to trust in his possessions.
Whenever I get overwhelmed by the worlds situation or situations in my own life, whenever doubts creep in as to whether the gospel, the power of God, is real, all I have to do is recall how he reached down and rescued me; how he pulled me out of the depths and placed me feet on solid ground. It is real! I have seen him and his power. I have seen his glory. The land around me may be parched and weary, but I am in the presence of His unfailing love.
We live in times that are very much similar to David's time. We are surrounded by enemies who not only do not follow the God that we follow, but who would also love nothing better than to destroy us all. How do you live under those circumstances where there are constant threats against your survival and more importantly against your faith. The threat was constantly around David to abandon his faith: to trust in anything other than the God of Israel, to trust in the size of his army, to trust in his possessions.
Whenever I get overwhelmed by the worlds situation or situations in my own life, whenever doubts creep in as to whether the gospel, the power of God, is real, all I have to do is recall how he reached down and rescued me; how he pulled me out of the depths and placed me feet on solid ground. It is real! I have seen him and his power. I have seen his glory. The land around me may be parched and weary, but I am in the presence of His unfailing love.
O God, you are my God;I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you;my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary landwhere there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself;how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live,lifting up my hands to you in prayer.- Ps 63:1-4 NIV
Monday, March 23, 2015
2 Samuel 14-20: Intrigue Upon Intrigue
Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem. - 2 Sam. 20:22 NIV
Sometimes the wisdom of one woman is greater than that of a thousand men. David's kingdom was characterized by intrigue after intrigue. Someone was always killing someone or trying to take what was not theirs. Amnon rapes Tamar. Absalom kills Amnon. Absalom tries to take the kingdom from David. David flees with the rest of his family from his own son. Ziba betrays Mephibosheth. Absalom dies going against David's forces and David mourns. Sheba continues the revolt against the kingship of David. Joab, the commander of Davis's army, kills Amasa who was still loyal to David. Finally, Joab corners Sheba at Abel and besieges the city.
Sometimes it is a woman who sees the obvious and convinces the masses of the right course of action. Who knows what the outcome would have been were it not for the one woman who saw that all of the intrigue and jockeying for position needed to stop somewhere. "We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel," she says, "why are you trying to destroy us?" She takes her message to the city's leaders and they decide that enough is enough. Sheba was sacrificed for the peace of the city, and thus ended most of the intrigue during David's rule.
Sometimes the wisdom of one woman is greater than that of a thousand men. David's kingdom was characterized by intrigue after intrigue. Someone was always killing someone or trying to take what was not theirs. Amnon rapes Tamar. Absalom kills Amnon. Absalom tries to take the kingdom from David. David flees with the rest of his family from his own son. Ziba betrays Mephibosheth. Absalom dies going against David's forces and David mourns. Sheba continues the revolt against the kingship of David. Joab, the commander of Davis's army, kills Amasa who was still loyal to David. Finally, Joab corners Sheba at Abel and besieges the city.
Sometimes it is a woman who sees the obvious and convinces the masses of the right course of action. Who knows what the outcome would have been were it not for the one woman who saw that all of the intrigue and jockeying for position needed to stop somewhere. "We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel," she says, "why are you trying to destroy us?" She takes her message to the city's leaders and they decide that enough is enough. Sheba was sacrificed for the peace of the city, and thus ended most of the intrigue during David's rule.
Friday, March 20, 2015
2 Samuel 6-13: Sins Will Find You Out
As he finished speaking, the king’s sons came in, wailing loudly. The king, too, and all his servants wept very bitterly. Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned for his son every day. After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he stayed there three years. And the spirit of the king longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death. - 2 Sam. 13:36-39 NIV
David should not have been surprised when his son, Absalom, killed his first born son, Amnon, after Amnon raped then tossed aside Absalom's sister, Tamar. After all, what kind of an example had David set for his sons? In the case of Bathsheba, David took what he saw then took another life to cover up his tracks. David paid the price for his indescretion with the death of his son. Amnon paid for his indescretion, with his own life at the hands of his brother. Absalom paid for killing his brother with his exile from David. Round and round it goes. While many of us today would be fascinated by the intrigue, which is as great as any of our current soap operas, it's really nothing more than a case of Moses' challenge from God to his people. "be sure your sins will find you out" -Num. 32:23 KJV
David should not have been surprised when his son, Absalom, killed his first born son, Amnon, after Amnon raped then tossed aside Absalom's sister, Tamar. After all, what kind of an example had David set for his sons? In the case of Bathsheba, David took what he saw then took another life to cover up his tracks. David paid the price for his indescretion with the death of his son. Amnon paid for his indescretion, with his own life at the hands of his brother. Absalom paid for killing his brother with his exile from David. Round and round it goes. While many of us today would be fascinated by the intrigue, which is as great as any of our current soap operas, it's really nothing more than a case of Moses' challenge from God to his people. "be sure your sins will find you out" -Num. 32:23 KJV
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
2 Samuel 1-5: Love Conquers All
The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. - 2 Sam. 3:1. NIV
David did not become king over all of Israel in one fell swoop. Although God had appointed him and Samuel annointed him, there were still battles to be fought with those who had been loyal to Saul. David never tried to extract revenge from those who followed the remaining sons of Saul and Abner, the leader of Saul's armies. Instead, David mourned for Saul and Jonathan and, later when Abner was killed by well-intentioned followers of David, they were punished and Abner was buried with respect. All of these actions further endeared the people towards David and eventually resulted in a unified kingdom.
It was God's will that David become king over all of Israel. That might have been a long and costly process were it not for David's heart which loved Saul, his family and his followers, even though most of them, with the exception of Jonathan, saw him as the opposition. The message that Jesus was to give later of "Love your enemies, do good to those who despitefully use you," was not lost on David. He reaped the rewards of loving. Love conquers all!
David did not become king over all of Israel in one fell swoop. Although God had appointed him and Samuel annointed him, there were still battles to be fought with those who had been loyal to Saul. David never tried to extract revenge from those who followed the remaining sons of Saul and Abner, the leader of Saul's armies. Instead, David mourned for Saul and Jonathan and, later when Abner was killed by well-intentioned followers of David, they were punished and Abner was buried with respect. All of these actions further endeared the people towards David and eventually resulted in a unified kingdom.
It was God's will that David become king over all of Israel. That might have been a long and costly process were it not for David's heart which loved Saul, his family and his followers, even though most of them, with the exception of Jonathan, saw him as the opposition. The message that Jesus was to give later of "Love your enemies, do good to those who despitefully use you," was not lost on David. He reaped the rewards of loving. Love conquers all!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
1 Samuel 25-31: Being Faithful
“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it. The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble.” - 1 Sam. 26:22-24 NIV
David knew one thing that Saul failed to discern. It is the Lord who rewards every man for their faithfulness and righteousness. David knew that his safety and his success depended on being righteous, on doing the right thing. He was given several opportunities to kill Saul, but he never took advantage of Saul at those times because he knew that everything was God's doing and not his own. While Saul was intent on killing him, David knew it was not his place to become Saul's judge and executioner. That was in God's hands.
God honors our right actions even and especially in those situations where we would be able to justify any retribution but instead leave it in God's hands. Whenever we don't take matters into our own hands, but leave it in the hands of God, we are being faithful.
David knew one thing that Saul failed to discern. It is the Lord who rewards every man for their faithfulness and righteousness. David knew that his safety and his success depended on being righteous, on doing the right thing. He was given several opportunities to kill Saul, but he never took advantage of Saul at those times because he knew that everything was God's doing and not his own. While Saul was intent on killing him, David knew it was not his place to become Saul's judge and executioner. That was in God's hands.
God honors our right actions even and especially in those situations where we would be able to justify any retribution but instead leave it in God's hands. Whenever we don't take matters into our own hands, but leave it in the hands of God, we are being faithful.
Monday, March 16, 2015
1 Samuel 20-24: A True Friend
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. -1 Sam. 20:41-42 NIV
Where would we be without our friends and brothers in the Lord. We would have no one to comfort us, to pray for us, to love us unconditionally. We would be all alone, vulnerable to the enemy. David knew this. He knew how Saul felt about him. He knew how Saul would kill him if he had the chance. He knew if it were not for God's protection, he would be a dead man. He knew that Jonathan was God's instrument in providing that protection. He also knew that everything that Jinathan did for him came at a cost to Jonathan, a price Jonathan was willing to pay because of his love for David. Jonathan would willingly forfeit the kingdom in order to preserve David's life. I believe that is the reason why David was even more sorrowful than Jonathan at their parting. He knew that Jonathan was giving up his life for him.
Do we have that kind of a relationship with our brothers and sisters.? Is there anyone we would be willing to sacrifice our well being for? Is there anyone who would sacrifice their well being for ours? Perhaps that's what it means to be a true friend.
Where would we be without our friends and brothers in the Lord. We would have no one to comfort us, to pray for us, to love us unconditionally. We would be all alone, vulnerable to the enemy. David knew this. He knew how Saul felt about him. He knew how Saul would kill him if he had the chance. He knew if it were not for God's protection, he would be a dead man. He knew that Jonathan was God's instrument in providing that protection. He also knew that everything that Jinathan did for him came at a cost to Jonathan, a price Jonathan was willing to pay because of his love for David. Jonathan would willingly forfeit the kingdom in order to preserve David's life. I believe that is the reason why David was even more sorrowful than Jonathan at their parting. He knew that Jonathan was giving up his life for him.
Do we have that kind of a relationship with our brothers and sisters.? Is there anyone we would be willing to sacrifice our well being for? Is there anyone who would sacrifice their well being for ours? Perhaps that's what it means to be a true friend.
Friday, March 13, 2015
1 Samuel 16-19: Facing Giants
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” - 1 Samuel 17:47 NIV
Mankind has always had the propensity to confuse size and weaponry with power and might, but if God isn't on your side, or if you aren't on God's side, it is a moot point. That is something that Golaith and even Saul did not understand. David was the only one who knew he didn't need the mightiest sword or the best armour to go against the enemies of the Lord. The battle would not be won by manpower. It would be won by God's power. We would do well to remember that when we find ourselves facing our own giants.
Mankind has always had the propensity to confuse size and weaponry with power and might, but if God isn't on your side, or if you aren't on God's side, it is a moot point. That is something that Golaith and even Saul did not understand. David was the only one who knew he didn't need the mightiest sword or the best armour to go against the enemies of the Lord. The battle would not be won by manpower. It would be won by God's power. We would do well to remember that when we find ourselves facing our own giants.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
1 Samuel 11-15: Grieving the Heart of God
Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the LORD was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel. - 1 Sam. 15:35 NIV
It's a sad thing when because of our inability to take the commands of God seriously, we become alienated from him. It doesn't always happen overnight. Perhaps we start taking the position that God has placed us in for granted. Perhaps we begin to think that we are responsible for people's salvation. Finally, we get to the place where we think we know better than God.
Such was the case with Saul. This unassuming, shy, self effacing man who was chosen by God to become king lets the power go to his head. Rather than destroying all of the Amalekites as God told him to do, he decided to save the best for a sacrifice to God. At least, that's what he said he was going to do with the plunder. But it didn't matter. Even if his intentions were purely honorable, they were not what God had asked. "Obedience is better than sacrifice" God told him through Samuel. When our ego gets so puffed up that we think we are going to do something for God in spite of what he has told us to do, we are in trouble. No amount of self-justification will repair the breach in the relationship with God. Nothing grieves the heart of God more.
It's a sad thing when because of our inability to take the commands of God seriously, we become alienated from him. It doesn't always happen overnight. Perhaps we start taking the position that God has placed us in for granted. Perhaps we begin to think that we are responsible for people's salvation. Finally, we get to the place where we think we know better than God.
Such was the case with Saul. This unassuming, shy, self effacing man who was chosen by God to become king lets the power go to his head. Rather than destroying all of the Amalekites as God told him to do, he decided to save the best for a sacrifice to God. At least, that's what he said he was going to do with the plunder. But it didn't matter. Even if his intentions were purely honorable, they were not what God had asked. "Obedience is better than sacrifice" God told him through Samuel. When our ego gets so puffed up that we think we are going to do something for God in spite of what he has told us to do, we are in trouble. No amount of self-justification will repair the breach in the relationship with God. Nothing grieves the heart of God more.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
1 Samuel 7- 10: Just What They Needed
They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.” - 1 Samuel 8:5-9 NIV
Israel had a hard time deciding who to follow. First there was Moses, a relatively shy man who had difficulty speaking, yet heard the voice of God. Then there was Joshua who was unafraid to follow God and led them into the promised land after their years of wandering. After that, they had the priests who were supposed to be the representatives of the people before God and the judges who were to determine right from wrong. None of these forms of government sat just right with the people. They looked around at the other nations and saw that they were doing just fine without the priests or judges because they had a king. A king! They had someone they could look up to, someone who would be the leader, the authority and savior. Someone who would keep them safe from their enemies. Someone who they could rever and perhaps even worship. A king, that was just what they needed.
They did not want to pay attention to what Samuel told them: that a king would take their sons and daughters, their crops, their cattle and land. As far as the people were concerned, that was a small price to pay to be like everyone else.
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Sam. 8:19-20
God was not enough. He was not wise enough, he was not popular enough, he was not strong enough. A king was the answer to all of their problems. A king was just what they needed.
But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.” - 1 Samuel 8:5-9 NIV
Israel had a hard time deciding who to follow. First there was Moses, a relatively shy man who had difficulty speaking, yet heard the voice of God. Then there was Joshua who was unafraid to follow God and led them into the promised land after their years of wandering. After that, they had the priests who were supposed to be the representatives of the people before God and the judges who were to determine right from wrong. None of these forms of government sat just right with the people. They looked around at the other nations and saw that they were doing just fine without the priests or judges because they had a king. A king! They had someone they could look up to, someone who would be the leader, the authority and savior. Someone who would keep them safe from their enemies. Someone who they could rever and perhaps even worship. A king, that was just what they needed.
They did not want to pay attention to what Samuel told them: that a king would take their sons and daughters, their crops, their cattle and land. As far as the people were concerned, that was a small price to pay to be like everyone else.
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Sam. 8:19-20
God was not enough. He was not wise enough, he was not popular enough, he was not strong enough. A king was the answer to all of their problems. A king was just what they needed.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
1 Samuel 1-6: Samuel, A Willing Heart
The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. - 1 Samuel 3:1-7 NIV
"In those days, the word of the Lord was rare." That phrase is reminiscent of the one repeated over and over again in Judges "In those days, there was no king, the people did as they pleased." Of course, there is a correlation between the people doing as they pleased and not hearing from the Lord. God only speaks to willing hearts, to those who will listen, and not just listen, but obey.
Most people really don't want to hear the word of the Lord. They don't want to hear what God requires of them. They don't want for his word to be revealed. Samuel was one of the rare ones who would listen when spoken to. The slightest whisper from the Lord was enough for him to perk up his ears, ready to do whatever was asked of him. At first, he thought it was Eli calling him. He was eager and willing to serve the voice that called him. When Eli tells him that it is the voice of God that is calling him, he is not afraid. "Speak, Lord", he says, "for your servant is listening". Finally the Lord has found someone willing to listen, someone who is concerned with the desires of God more than with his own well being; someone who is not afraid of the words he will hear, but who is ready for whatever action is required, who is willing to serve regardless.
Like Samuel, if we want to hear the voice of God, we have to be willing to act on what we hear. If we don't hear from God, it is because he knows the willingness of our hearts.
One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. - 1 Samuel 3:1-7 NIV
"In those days, the word of the Lord was rare." That phrase is reminiscent of the one repeated over and over again in Judges "In those days, there was no king, the people did as they pleased." Of course, there is a correlation between the people doing as they pleased and not hearing from the Lord. God only speaks to willing hearts, to those who will listen, and not just listen, but obey.
Most people really don't want to hear the word of the Lord. They don't want to hear what God requires of them. They don't want for his word to be revealed. Samuel was one of the rare ones who would listen when spoken to. The slightest whisper from the Lord was enough for him to perk up his ears, ready to do whatever was asked of him. At first, he thought it was Eli calling him. He was eager and willing to serve the voice that called him. When Eli tells him that it is the voice of God that is calling him, he is not afraid. "Speak, Lord", he says, "for your servant is listening". Finally the Lord has found someone willing to listen, someone who is concerned with the desires of God more than with his own well being; someone who is not afraid of the words he will hear, but who is ready for whatever action is required, who is willing to serve regardless.
Like Samuel, if we want to hear the voice of God, we have to be willing to act on what we hear. If we don't hear from God, it is because he knows the willingness of our hearts.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Ruth 1-4: Such Favor
At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother–in–law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” - Ruth 2:10-12 NIV
"Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me, a foreigner?" That is the question we should all be asking. Why has God favored us so, that he has brought us into his family, that we have been adopted and accepted as sons of God when we were born foreigners. Whether we realize it or not, we have all left behind the land in which we were born, the homeland of this world, and we are now citizens, not by birth, but by a new birth, in a new kingdom. We are now living in the shelter of the wings of the God of Iarael where we are sheltered and protected from all of the woes we were subjected to in that foreign land. How different would our lives be if we saw ourselves as privileged sons and with such promise as Ruth?
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother–in–law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” - Ruth 2:10-12 NIV
"Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me, a foreigner?" That is the question we should all be asking. Why has God favored us so, that he has brought us into his family, that we have been adopted and accepted as sons of God when we were born foreigners. Whether we realize it or not, we have all left behind the land in which we were born, the homeland of this world, and we are now citizens, not by birth, but by a new birth, in a new kingdom. We are now living in the shelter of the wings of the God of Iarael where we are sheltered and protected from all of the woes we were subjected to in that foreign land. How different would our lives be if we saw ourselves as privileged sons and with such promise as Ruth?
Friday, March 6, 2015
Judges 17-20: The Saddest Story
Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD. And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to battle with Benjamin our brother, or not?” The LORD responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.” - Judges 19:26-28 NIV
This is the ending of one of the saddest stories in the Old Testament; sad not only because all of the other tribes of Israel had to face the difficult decision to go to war against their fellow tribe of Benjamin, but even more sad because of the depths to which some of the Israelites had fallen. The writer keeps repeating the phrase, "In those days there was no king, everyone did as he saw fit." That was aptly illustrated by the story of the Levite and his concubine. The men of the town of Gibeah in Benjamin were so degenerate that when they could not abuse the Levite who had taken shelter in their town for the night, they raped his concubine to death. Even more appalling was the response of the Benjamites who saw no problem and refused to punish the men of that city responsible for these vile actions.
Even then, although their ire had been raised, all of the rest of the tribes of Israel were unable to wreck revenge on the tribe of Benjamin for allowing such egregious acts to take place without repercussions. They were defeated by the Benjamites twice when they met in battle. It wasn't until they fell prostrate before the Lord that God gave them victory and they were able to punish the tribe of Benjamin for allowing such sin to remain in their midst. Just being appalled by sin is not enough, God requires contrite hearts before he is willing to work on our behalf.
This is the ending of one of the saddest stories in the Old Testament; sad not only because all of the other tribes of Israel had to face the difficult decision to go to war against their fellow tribe of Benjamin, but even more sad because of the depths to which some of the Israelites had fallen. The writer keeps repeating the phrase, "In those days there was no king, everyone did as he saw fit." That was aptly illustrated by the story of the Levite and his concubine. The men of the town of Gibeah in Benjamin were so degenerate that when they could not abuse the Levite who had taken shelter in their town for the night, they raped his concubine to death. Even more appalling was the response of the Benjamites who saw no problem and refused to punish the men of that city responsible for these vile actions.
Even then, although their ire had been raised, all of the rest of the tribes of Israel were unable to wreck revenge on the tribe of Benjamin for allowing such egregious acts to take place without repercussions. They were defeated by the Benjamites twice when they met in battle. It wasn't until they fell prostrate before the Lord that God gave them victory and they were able to punish the tribe of Benjamin for allowing such sin to remain in their midst. Just being appalled by sin is not enough, God requires contrite hearts before he is willing to work on our behalf.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Judges 13-16: Samson's Weakness
His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.) - Judges 14:3-4 NIV
Just like most of the stories about the chosen ones that God uses to lead his people, Samson was mighty, but he had a fatal weakness...the temptation to lust after the forbidden overwhelmed the desire to to be what God created him to be. He took the gift of strength for granted and used it for his own means rather than the intended purpose. Perhaps, because his parents waited so long for a child, he was spoiled and always got whatever he wanted. Appeasing his personal appetite figures more in the story than the redemption he was promised by God to bring to the beleaguered Israelites.
Israel may have had peace for twenty years while they were being judged by Samson, but Samson was testing the boundaries all of the time. It was only fitting that all of his dalliances with the women of the enemy would one day lead to his demise. Samson's life was characterized by his one weakness rather than by the promise which God had placed in him. Samson' story is the story of the Children of Israel and our story as well. God's promise of redemption, his power in our lives, often goes to our heads. We begin to think that we own the power and we can do with it what we please. We succumb to the desires of the flesh and all of the promise is lost as the illusion, that we were the one with power, comes crashing down at our feet.
Just like most of the stories about the chosen ones that God uses to lead his people, Samson was mighty, but he had a fatal weakness...the temptation to lust after the forbidden overwhelmed the desire to to be what God created him to be. He took the gift of strength for granted and used it for his own means rather than the intended purpose. Perhaps, because his parents waited so long for a child, he was spoiled and always got whatever he wanted. Appeasing his personal appetite figures more in the story than the redemption he was promised by God to bring to the beleaguered Israelites.
Israel may have had peace for twenty years while they were being judged by Samson, but Samson was testing the boundaries all of the time. It was only fitting that all of his dalliances with the women of the enemy would one day lead to his demise. Samson's life was characterized by his one weakness rather than by the promise which God had placed in him. Samson' story is the story of the Children of Israel and our story as well. God's promise of redemption, his power in our lives, often goes to our heads. We begin to think that we own the power and we can do with it what we please. We succumb to the desires of the flesh and all of the promise is lost as the illusion, that we were the one with power, comes crashing down at our feet.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Judges 9-12: Let Them Save You
But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!”
But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer. - Judges 10:13-16 NIV
The only consistent thing about Israel's relationship with God was their inconstancy. As a result, their fortunes waxed and waned depending on who was in leadership. It was only natural that their periods of prosperity would become shorter and shorter as their attention to God and his requirements became less and less. Their concentration was on the power of their enemies and the ineffective gods they had surrounded themselves with, not on God and his protection. What is it like to live in such a time, when the minute you put one leader in place, you realize that he cannot save you and you immediately start looking around for the next golden boy who will be your savior? What is it like to be totally reliant on other gods, gods who have no power to save? It might look a little like our situation today.
"Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!"
But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer. - Judges 10:13-16 NIV
The only consistent thing about Israel's relationship with God was their inconstancy. As a result, their fortunes waxed and waned depending on who was in leadership. It was only natural that their periods of prosperity would become shorter and shorter as their attention to God and his requirements became less and less. Their concentration was on the power of their enemies and the ineffective gods they had surrounded themselves with, not on God and his protection. What is it like to live in such a time, when the minute you put one leader in place, you realize that he cannot save you and you immediately start looking around for the next golden boy who will be your savior? What is it like to be totally reliant on other gods, gods who have no power to save? It might look a little like our situation today.
"Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!"
Monday, March 2, 2015
Judges 6-8: In God We Trust
The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, 3 announce now to the people, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty–two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink.” Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place.” - Judges 6:2-7 NIV
I love the story of Gideon, because it illustrates how prone we are to confusing our strength with the power of God. The enemies of Israel were the enemies of God. They may have felt that the Israelites were weak and puny, but they had not reckoned with God's power. The even more unfortunate circumstance was that God's people no longer trusted in their God to be all powerful. They too were trusting in Baal and the other foreign gods. No wonder they had to abandon their farms and villages and hide in mountain caves. As long as they looked to other gods, their situation was going to worsen.
The only God that we can trust, the God of the universe, is not concerned with the size or the strength of the enemy. As long as Israel sought the same gods as the enemy, they would be overpowered. It took only one man, Gideon, to hear the true God's voice and suddenly the way out of their predicament became clear. Victory would not be won by ten thousand men, by the largest and mightiest army. It would be won by only three hundred men and one man who heard the voice of the living God. It's one thing to say "In God We Trust", but it all depends on who or what that god is.
But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink.” Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place.” - Judges 6:2-7 NIV
I love the story of Gideon, because it illustrates how prone we are to confusing our strength with the power of God. The enemies of Israel were the enemies of God. They may have felt that the Israelites were weak and puny, but they had not reckoned with God's power. The even more unfortunate circumstance was that God's people no longer trusted in their God to be all powerful. They too were trusting in Baal and the other foreign gods. No wonder they had to abandon their farms and villages and hide in mountain caves. As long as they looked to other gods, their situation was going to worsen.
The only God that we can trust, the God of the universe, is not concerned with the size or the strength of the enemy. As long as Israel sought the same gods as the enemy, they would be overpowered. It took only one man, Gideon, to hear the true God's voice and suddenly the way out of their predicament became clear. Victory would not be won by ten thousand men, by the largest and mightiest army. It would be won by only three hundred men and one man who heard the voice of the living God. It's one thing to say "In God We Trust", but it all depends on who or what that god is.
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