4 Powerful statements for Self-examination

 Read 1 Samuel 15. 

Warren Buffet once said, "In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you." 

In Saul's case, he lacked integrity and his intelligence was questionable.  This particular episode in Saul's life began in 14:16.  God used Jonathan to put the Philistines into great confusion, fleeing and even killing each other.  When an Israeli scout saw this, he alerted Saul and his army.  The full attack and rout was on.  The men were exhausted from battle but Saul inexplicably decided to declare a fast. 

Out of his own insecurities, he sought reassurance from God.  It seems that every time Saul became hard pressed he wanted to do something religious, even if it meant disobedience to the word of the Lord.

-He summoned the ark of God in battle, a symbol of God presence.

-He declared a fast for a battle-weary army.

-He pronounced a curse of death on the starving that might disobey his order.

-He built an altar to sacrifice to the LORD.

-If the people had not intervened, he probably would have executed his own son to save face.

-He built a monument to himself (15:12). 

However, he was the king and as such God used Saul to turn back all of Israel's surrounding enemies.  It was a time of victory for the nation and exalted Saul's leadership.  One of these enemies that the LORD wanted destroyed was the Amalekites.  Though centuries had passed, God never forgot their mistreatment of His people during the exodus (15:2).  The order from God was clear; total annihilation.  But 15:9 describes how Saul disobeyed. 

God sent Samuel to confront Saul about this sin.  The first response from Saul to Samuel was a lie (15:13).  The second sentence he spoke was another lie (15:15).  He blamed the people for his own disobedience and tried to make it sound like a good thing.  Samuel was already angry (15:11) and yelled, "Stop!" 

Even when confronted about his disobedience, Saul stuck to his story, claiming he did what he was supposed to do and blaming the people.  It is only when Samuel pronounced God's judgment upon him that Saul repented.  In chapter 13, Saul lost his dynasty as Samuel told him "the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart" (13:14).  Here God rejected Saul from even from being king of Israel "and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you" (15:28). 

Samuel made four powerful statements that exposed Saul's sin. (15:22-23)

1. Sacrifices to the LORD are to represent a heart and life of obedience to Him.

2. Obedience is better than going through the motions of religious ritual.

3. Disobedience is rebellion and compared to witchcraft and divination. 

4. Stubborn arrogance is compared to the sin of idolatry. 

The Apostle Paul wrote: "But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.  But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." (1 Corinthians 11:31-32)

5 keys to confronting a Challenge

 Read 1 Samuel 14. 

While the focus of this chapter is on Saul's continued foolish decisions, do not miss the sterling character of Jonathan.  He became overshadowed by his father and then later by the rise of David's leadership.  But this man was as cunning, brave, and godly as any in the Bible. 

When confronted with a threatening challenge, we learn 5 things from Jonathan's example.

1. He took courageous initiative.

-He did not sit and wait for someone else to do something.

-He did not ask permission or approval to investigate.

-He ventured as close as he could without risk. 

2. He thoughtfully considered the opportunity to see if this is what God wanted done.

"It may be that the LORD will work for us..." (v.6)

God's power and ability are unquestionable!  But is this what God wants us to be doing?  If it is, then He will demonstrate His power.  If not, we should not proceed. 

3. He had predetermined what would indicate whether to go or stay. (vv.9-10) 

4. He willingly exposed himself in taking the first step.

-There is always a risk when exposing one's ideas or availability.

-Mark Twain said, "Courage is resistance to fear, not the absence of it."

-When ridiculed he did not flinch.  He was prepared. 

5. His ultimate trust was not in himself but the LORD.

-"...for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." (v.6)

-Try to find in the Bible where the will of God was ever determined by a majority.  Indeed, all the rest of Israel’s soldiers, including the king, were sitting in camp.

-Though he certainly was cunning, possessed skill, and had a supportive partner, the only explanation for what took place is the Hand of God. 

This incredible victory happened because one man sought an opportunity for success and was willing to go see if God was in it. 

What opportunities do you see today?

 

 

The Test of Success

 Read 1 Samuel 13. 

Whenever there is a success, a victory, a blessing, or a decisive stand taken on an issue, expect that it will be tested.  Saul demonstrated national leadership and experienced a win over the Philistines.  This launched his reign as the first king of Israel.  Next came the test. 

Israel continued to be oppressed and controlled by their neighbors, the Philistines.  They would not stand by and let Saul flex anymore military muscle against them.  When the Philistines amassed their army to fight the Israelites, all the men of Israel feared for their lives.  They fled and hid themselves. 

There is nothing like a threat to cause people to lose all self-reliance and cast their total dependence on God.  

The situation called for a time of national repentance and worship.  Saul had been given instructions to wait for Samuel, the High Priest, to offer sacrifices and to deliver God's instructions for the nation.  But Saul, out of his own insecurities, his impatience, and his fear, took matters into his own hands.  He was the king; he was the leader.  Who needed Samuel?  In doing so, he abused his power, he violated the Mosaic Law, he broke fellowship with God, he damaged his relationship with Samuel, and he lost the dynasty of his kingship.  This was a test.  Saul had failed. 

It is never right to do wrong. 

When Samuel arrived, his words were clear, straightforward, and painful.  "You have done foolishly.  You have not kept the command of the LORD your God..." (v.13) 

A leader must understand the real issues.

-The real challenge was not the Philistines.

-The real problem was not the ritual of the burnt offering.

-The real test was obedience to the LORD from the heart. 

From then on, “The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart.” (v.14) 

Determine to make an A on God’s tests today.

An Example of Spiritual Leadership

 Read 1 Samuel 12. 

While the national leadership transferred to Saul, Samuel continued to be the spiritual leader of the nation.  The inauguration of the king afforded Samuel the opportunity to preach one last challenging message to the people.  Notice the development of his sermon. 

Samuel's Integrity (vv.3-5)

Imagine beginning a Sunday sermon in this manner.  The people acknowledged that in all his life of ministry he had wronged no one; not one person had anything bad to say about him. 

Israel's History (vv.6-13)

Starting with Moses and the exodus from Egypt, Samuel recounted for them how they arrived to where they were.  The story of Israel was one of God's leading, the sin of the people, their repentance, and God's faithfulness.  It was a theocracy but at this point the people wanted a king. 

The People's Charge (vv.14-15)

If the people fear, serve, and obey the LORD, "it will be well."  If they do not, then "the LORD will be against you and your king." 

The Confirmation of the Message (vv.16-20)

At that exact time and place, an unusual storm of thunder and rain came.  This validated that Samuel's message was not from him, but came directly from the LORD.  The people got it.  It put the fear of God in them.  The people cried out for Samuel to intercede for them. 

Now that God and Samuel had their attention, they were ready to listen to some instruction and responsibilities.  What do they need to know and do?

1. God's Character and Ownership.

He will be faithful.  Why?  These are His people. They belong to Him.  He will do this, not for them, but for Himself.  It is His name and His reputation on the line. 

2. The Spiritual Leader's Responsibilities to the People.

Two basic responsibilities: First is prayer.  Failing to pray for the people under his care would be a sin.  Second is wise instruction based upon what God has said. 

3. The People's Responsibilities to God.

-To fear God.  This requires diligent respect for His omni-presence and dreading the consequences of any disobedience.

-To serve God.  This requires one knowing how God designed them and finding an appropriate place to put that purpose into practice.

-To be grateful.  This requires thinking and thanking the LORD for all He has done.

6 Insights for organizational Achievement

 Read 1 Samuel 11. 

Saul had gone back home and continued farming.  But when he received word that his home town was threatened by the Ammonites several things immediately took place.

1. The Spirit of the LORD "rushed upon Saul".  This ignited a godly motivation.

2. Saul became emotionally engaged.  He could no longer continue doing what he had been doing.

3. He took drastic and immediate action.  Indeed, he killed his own oxen to get the message out.  He sacrificed his livelihood.  There would be no turning back. 

330,000 men responded to Saul's call.  He organized them and they experienced a great victory.  Previously he had been selected as king, but now he demonstrated national leadership.  This prompted Samuel to inaugurate Saul to the position. 

6 insights:

1. There was an urgent need.

This was not just a nice idea or the selfish plan of a leader.  It was about others.  Lives were in the balance. 

2. The Holy Spirit moved on the heart of the leader to act.

This was not driven by personality or position.  This is what God wanted done. 

3. The people responded in unity.

There is great power when people are willing to drop their own concerns to meet an urgent need that God wants done. 

4. Everyone followed through on the plan. 

They did not show up to discuss and vote on a plan.  No.  These people showed up ready to follow the leader and to take action. 

5. The leader remained humble in victory.

In verse 13a, Saul refused to use his position and the opportunity to exercise power against others. 

6. The glory was given to the LORD.

Saul said, "For today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel" (v. 13b).  God empowered the leader, gave them unity, and ensured the victory.

Responding to God's Opportunities

 Read 1 Samuel 9-10. 

It is easy for those who know the Bible to jump to the end of Saul’s story.  However, we should not miss the moments here and the clear statements of the Scriptures.  This truly is a picture filled with contradictions.  Here are just a few:

Israel wanted a king.

But it was not God's timing. 

Saul was from a wealthy family.  He was personally taller and more handsome than anyone else.

But he does not have any experience in leadership. 

He was being looked to as a leader.

But he lacked self-confidence and displayed personal insecurities. 

He was from the tribe of Benjamin.

But the kingly tribe was to be Judah (Genesis 49:10). 

God answered the people's request.

But Samuel told them they had rejected God. 

From the start Saul's selection appears to be a temporary appeasement until the real king is ready.  In the meantime, God did some wonderful things for Saul.  He gave him resources and opportunities to succeed, from the inside out.  The future would then be up to Saul and his responses to his God-given opportunities. 

What did God do initially to help Saul?

1. "The Spirit of the LORD” rushed upon him (10:6).

2. "God gave him another heart" (10:9).

3. He was noticeably a changed man (10:11). 

As Samuel prepared the nation for this leadership transition, he gave them a short history lesson and closed by charging them in writing (10:25).  In doing so, he reminded them of God’s goodness to them in a phrase in mid-sentence. "...who saves you from all you calamities and your distresses" (10:19b). 

Consider all the God-given opportunities each of us has today.  "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises..." (2 Peter 1:3-4a).  Today, through personal faith in Jesus, the LORD has already provided all we need to live for Him.  Our life story is told in how we respond.

Timing can mean everything

 Read 1 Samuel 8. 

Now, Israel wanted a king. 

What prompted this?

Samuel was elderly and his two sons who would have succeeded him were corrupt.  Unlike the Elders in Eli's day, the national Elders here came to Samuel to make a change in leadership.  Instead of another Judge, the people wanted a king.  Samuel took it as a personal rejection.  

What was the real problem?

The LORD established them as a unique nation.  Under His authority, He raised up the leadership the nation needed at the time.  Moses served as a prophet leader.  Joshua was a military man.  The Judges made spiritual and ultimate decisions for Israel. 

The people did not want to be different any longer.  They wanted to be “like all the nations” around them.  The root issue was they were rejecting God Himself (v.7). A change was needed but the timing and spirit of the people was wrong.  

What did it cost them?

The request for a king was not out of the will of God.  In fact, God told the people back in Moses' day that once they settled into the land that He would establish a king for them (Deuteronomy 17:14-15).  According to Jacob’s prophesy in Genesis 49:10, out of the tribe of Judah would come Israel’s royalty. 

In the ESV, six times in verses 10-17 the phrase "he will take" appears.  Israel will look good in battle with a royal leader arrayed in his finest, but the cost will be substantial.  The greatest cost would be when the people realize their mistake the LORD will not answer their prayer (v.18). 

Someone once said, "Be careful what you ask for.  You might just get it."  There are never any regrets when we trust in God's timing to unfold His plan for us.