Read 1 Sam 11
Saul has been anointed king by Samuel and gone home where business is usual, until the Ammonites come to challenge Jabesh-gilead. It seems like we always need confrontation to get us to take that next step toward our calling. We are much too comfortable with status-quo. Ever notice how God hates status-quo? So Nahash, the Ammonite (which by the way, Nahash means "snake") tells them the only way he won't kill them is if they cut our all their right eyes. He is doing this as a sign to all Israel that he is greater than them. The people ask for 7 days reprieve to see if anyone will come to their aid. The threat went out to all Israel and when Saul heard it the Spirit of God came upon him and he got very ticked. He took a pair of oxen and cut them into pieces (at least it wasn't a concubine) and sent the pieces throughout Israel with this message: If you don't come out and fight with me this is what is going to happen to your oxen. The fear of the Lord fell on the people and they came to help; 330,000 of them to be exact! On the 7th day Saul divided the troops into 3 parts and attacked the Ammonites until they were all scattered. Well, this solidified Saul's kingship. Everyone was behind him and wanted to go kill those men who had not wanted him to become king. Saul wouldn't let them harm them and instead gave the credit to the Lord. (Saul started out humble....they all do.) The people take Saul to Gilgal and made Saul king.
It seems to be a pattern: God gives man a promotion, then he gives him a situation where his promotion is tested and put on display, then man promotes him. True promotion must start with God, and He confirms it through man. My friend and I have a saying we always use, "Go low". Which just means when you think you have a reason to be proud, don't take it. Choose humility. It is a conscious choice.
Lord, let your promotions lead us back to humility not to pride.
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