Sat.’s Devo - Saul’s Downfall

Read: 1 Samuel 12:1-13:22; John 7:1-29; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4
Samuel reminded Israel of her rebellious history and now she wais adding more sin to her list by asking for a king. Israel was sad about her past, but not sad enough to repent and not take a king. Samuel gave them hope by saying that if they obeyed the Lord, even thought they had asked for a king, it would go well with them, but if they rebelled it would not. To add fear to the people, God sent thunder and rain.
Samuel told them he would never cease to pray for them because they were God’s people and he loved them. One more time he encouraged them to walk in truth with all of their hearts.
Saul chose his army and sent everyone else home. Jonathan attacked the Philistine’s outpost getting them all stirred up. Then Saul summoned the rest of Israel to fight the whole Philistine army at Micmash. Saul’s army was already getting scared and starting to flee but Saul waited for Samuel seven days just like he was told to do. On the seventh day, Saul saw his army dissipating and couldn’t wait any longer, so he offered the sacrifice only the priest was suppose to offer. As soon as he finished, Samuel arrived. This one act of disobedience cost Saul his kingship. Samuel rebuked Saul for his impatience and left. Saul’s army had shrunk from 6,000 to 600. Since the only blacksmiths were Philistines, only Saul and his son Jonathan had swords. They were a weaponless army!
In John, we see that even Jesus’ brothers were ashamed of him and taunted him. It was the Feast of Tabernacles when all the Jewish males go to Jerusalem. Jesus waited till everyone had gone and left himself. Everyone at the feast was talking about him to themselves, wondering if he would appear. Some wanted to kill him and others wanted to see a miracle. Jesus appeared half-way through the seven day feast and began teaching in the temple. The people complained that they knew where Jesus came from and there was no way he could be the Messiah, but Jesus argued that they didn’t know where he came from and they only knew how to see with natural eyes. He came from his Father in heaven but they couldn’t conceive it.
Just like Israel was a weaponless army, the children of Jesus day were a sightless army.
Lord, help us to use the weapon you have given us which is your Word and help us to have eyes to see who you are and what you are doing.