Tues.’ Devo - Saul’s First Big Test -

Read: 1 Samuel 12:1-13:22; John 7:1-29; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4 Samuel gave a condemning speech testifying to his own righteousness, but pointing out the continual sins of their nation. He reminded them of all the Lord had done for them and yet, how they had treated the Lord in return. And, now they had asked for a king, and he had granted their request. *** God warned them that if they will fear him and serve and obey him and not rebel, then all will go well for them, but if they return to wickedness, they will be swept away. Samuel begged them not to get distracted and go after empty things that cannot profit or deliver. *** Samuel told them that God would thunder and rain that day to let them know how upset he was that they asked for a king. Samuel prayed and it did thunder and rain even though it was not the rainy season. The people were afraid of God. *** One year later, Saul became the king. When he had reigned for two years, he built up an army of 3,000 men who were with him in Michmash, and 1,000 who were with his son, Jonathan in Gibeah. Jonathan went out and defeated the Phillistine garrison in Geba. Saul blew the trumpet and declared war on the Philistines. He called for the men to come to Gilgal and fight with them. *** The Philistines came with 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen plus troops on foot that were enumerable. They came and set up their camp at Michmash. The Israelites near there to ran to hide in the caves. Saul led his fearful troops from Gilgal to Michmash. He had been told by Samuel that he would come in seven days and offer sacrifices to the Lord and ask for his help. When Samuel didn’t arrive on time and his troops were going AWOL he decided to offer the sacrifice himself. As soon as he had finished, Samuel arrived. When Samuel heard Saul’s excuse to why he had not waited, he told him he had acted foolishly. He had not done what the Lord said so his kingdom will not stand forever. God has found a man who will have his heart and obey him. Samuel left and went home. Saul took what was left of his army and went to Gibeah. *** Saul had about 600 men who camped with Johnathan at Geba. The Philistines were still at Michmash. The Philistines divided their army into three groups and sent some to Ophrah, another to Beth-horon and another to the Valley of Zeboim. The Philistines had gotten rid of all the blacksmiths in Israel so the only ones who had a sword were Saul and Jonathan. *** The odds were stacked against Israel and only God could deliver them. *** In John, the odds were stacked against Jesus also. He could no longer walk freely in Judea because they were trying to kill him. Jesus stayed in Galilee. The Feast of Tabernacles was nearing and all Jewish men were to go to Jerusalem. Jesus never missed a feast. He sent his disciples ahead of him to Jerusalem. They encouraged him to go openly and make a name for himself. Jesus explained that it was not his time yet. The people wanted to kill him because he exposed their evil works. *** After he sent his disciples ahead of him, Jesus went privately, Everyone was looking for him and giving their opinion about what they thought of him. The feast lasted for 7 days and in the middle of those days, Jesus went into the temple and began teaching. The Jews marveled that he spoke so well, yet they had not educated him. Jesus explained that his teacher was the one who sent him - God. God is truth. *** Jesus explained that they had Moses’ law, yet they didn’t even keep it. Then he asked them why they were wanting to kill him. One of the people answered that he must have a demon because no one was wanting to kill him. *** Jesus was not the one with the demon. He exposed their hypocrisy in circumcising on the Sabbath and yet not wanting him to heal on the Sabbath. *** Those listening saw that the authorities were allowing Jesus to preach and were not arresting him. It made them wonder if they really knew that he was the Christ. Then they reasoned that they knew where Jesus came from and the scriptures said that when the Messiah came, no one would know where he came from. Jesus perceived they were thinking this and answered their question. He had come from God, but since they didn’t know God, they didn’t know where he came from. *** Lord, may we not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver. May we remember that you alone have the words of life.