"It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.' Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, 'They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?' Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on." -1 Samuel 18.6-9
The Spirit of God has departed from Saul and descended upon David. When Saul sees that the people are beginning to favor David he begins to look at David with suspicion. At that point he begins to try to eliminate David, the threat to his kingdom. He personally tries to kill him, and when that attempt is unsuccessful he tries to set him up to be killed in battle. All of his attempts fail because God is with David.
How do we handle those we perceive to be a threat to our power? I'm guessing that no one reading this is not dealing with a physical throne being taken away from them, but what about a threat to your job? The youth pastor is favored over the lead pastor. This person has great success at work and is quickly climbing the corporate ladder. This new teachers classes are always fuller than the older classes. Name your situation. What is your reaction in that moment?
Looking at Saul, he desperately clung to power, and tried to do everything he could to remove the threat. He was unsuccessful because he was trying to eliminate God's chosen leader. Not every situation will be this drastic, but how do we handle the ones that aren't? Ministry is my area, and so that is where I will focus, but the concept is applicable across the board. Too many pastors stay in leadership longer than they should and do damage to the Kingdom. They refuse to share the pulpit because the youth pastor might be more popular. In some cases the youth pastor may even be fired to protect the pastor's ego.
Men, we are not going to live forever, and we cannot stay in power forever. We were not intended to. There is a time for us to take the lead, and also a time for us to step down. In one sense we must work ourselves out of a job by training up the future leaders. We can perceive them as a threat and then spend our remaining time fighting it, destroying their reputations and futures, at the expense of our own ministry. Or we can take the opportunity to help prepare them to take the lead. That is the way God intended for it to be done.
Let us be men who do not desperately cling to power, and work to eliminate every threat to our rule. Let us be men who work to prepare the next generation of leaders so that the Kingdom can continue to advance.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, April 24, 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Friendship
"Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself... Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt." 1 Samuel 18.1, 3-4
David has slain the giant, and become part of Saul's staff, and during this time found his best friend. Let me say from the beginning that the relationship between David and Jonathan was not homosexual. The language used and the cultural mannerisms described do not imply that in any way. What we see here at the beginning of 1 Samuel 18 is the close relationship of brothers, willing to bleed together, and if need be, die for one another.
Jonathan makes a covenant with David, and as a symbol of the covenant gives David his robe, his armor, and his weapons. The two are bound together in an eternal bond of friendship. Jonathan gives David the means he has of protecting himself, his armor and weapons, in order that David might be safe in battle. He cares for David's life as his own, and will risk his to keep David safe.
Men, do you have a friend like that? Is there someone, aside from your wife and children, that you are willing to risk your life for? Do you have a close friendship? Most men don't. Friendships like this are rare because they involve risk and vulnerability. They involve sacrifice. Many en aren't willing to do those things. Many men go it alone, refusing to ask for help, and refusing to accept help that is offered.
Clearly this is not something that we will have with everyone. There are men I trust, and men I don't. There are men I will open my heart to and share the deep things with, and men I avoid making small talk with. There are men I know have my back, and men that I would never consider going into a fight with. There are men I would bleed with and even be willing to die for, and those that I wouldn't.
This is not a common, empty thing. This is a friendship that takes place between a few individuals who are willing to sacrifice for each other, and it is a rare thing.
Let us be men with at least one close friend.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
David has slain the giant, and become part of Saul's staff, and during this time found his best friend. Let me say from the beginning that the relationship between David and Jonathan was not homosexual. The language used and the cultural mannerisms described do not imply that in any way. What we see here at the beginning of 1 Samuel 18 is the close relationship of brothers, willing to bleed together, and if need be, die for one another.
Jonathan makes a covenant with David, and as a symbol of the covenant gives David his robe, his armor, and his weapons. The two are bound together in an eternal bond of friendship. Jonathan gives David the means he has of protecting himself, his armor and weapons, in order that David might be safe in battle. He cares for David's life as his own, and will risk his to keep David safe.
Men, do you have a friend like that? Is there someone, aside from your wife and children, that you are willing to risk your life for? Do you have a close friendship? Most men don't. Friendships like this are rare because they involve risk and vulnerability. They involve sacrifice. Many en aren't willing to do those things. Many men go it alone, refusing to ask for help, and refusing to accept help that is offered.
Clearly this is not something that we will have with everyone. There are men I trust, and men I don't. There are men I will open my heart to and share the deep things with, and men I avoid making small talk with. There are men I know have my back, and men that I would never consider going into a fight with. There are men I would bleed with and even be willing to die for, and those that I wouldn't.
This is not a common, empty thing. This is a friendship that takes place between a few individuals who are willing to sacrifice for each other, and it is a rare thing.
Let us be men with at least one close friend.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Facing the Giant
"Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.' Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled." 1 Samuel 17.45-51
The battle line is drawn. On the one side is Goliath, the nine foot tall, fully armed and armored Philistine champion. Opposite him is his opponent, a young shepherd boy, armed with a club and a sling. Goliath hurls insults and curses both at David, and at God, and then tells him that his flesh will be food for the birds and wild beasts. David responds in faith, telling him that he comes to battle in the name of the Lord of hosts (armies), and that the God Goliath has taunted will deliver him into David's hands. It is Goliath who will be defeated, and the the world will know that there is a God in Israel.
The battle commences, and David charges the field, arms his sling, and hurls a stone at the giant. It strikes Goliath in the forehead, and he falls face down. David takes Goliath's sword and kills him with it, defeating the giant and saving Israel. The Philistines flee, Israel pursues them, and then returns to plunder their camp. David is victorious, and God is glorified.
Men, what giants are you facing? Or better, what giants do you see that taunt God and insult you? Poverty? Abuse? Trafficking? The list goes on and on. What makes you righteously angry? What giant's taunts make you say, enough is enough, and decide to do something about it? What giant are you willing to charge?
There are giants in this world that must be slain. Giants that defy God and insult human life and dignity. You can do something about it. You can prepare, charge the field, and slay the giant. David was a shepherd boy, armed with shepherd's tools, and he killed Goliath. His God was insulted and his people were threatened, and he refused to stand by and let it continue. He stood for justice and righteousness, and God gave him victory.
Let us stand like David did. Let us be men who are willing to do something, men who are willing to risk it all. Let us be men who will face the giant.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The battle line is drawn. On the one side is Goliath, the nine foot tall, fully armed and armored Philistine champion. Opposite him is his opponent, a young shepherd boy, armed with a club and a sling. Goliath hurls insults and curses both at David, and at God, and then tells him that his flesh will be food for the birds and wild beasts. David responds in faith, telling him that he comes to battle in the name of the Lord of hosts (armies), and that the God Goliath has taunted will deliver him into David's hands. It is Goliath who will be defeated, and the the world will know that there is a God in Israel.
The battle commences, and David charges the field, arms his sling, and hurls a stone at the giant. It strikes Goliath in the forehead, and he falls face down. David takes Goliath's sword and kills him with it, defeating the giant and saving Israel. The Philistines flee, Israel pursues them, and then returns to plunder their camp. David is victorious, and God is glorified.
Men, what giants are you facing? Or better, what giants do you see that taunt God and insult you? Poverty? Abuse? Trafficking? The list goes on and on. What makes you righteously angry? What giant's taunts make you say, enough is enough, and decide to do something about it? What giant are you willing to charge?
There are giants in this world that must be slain. Giants that defy God and insult human life and dignity. You can do something about it. You can prepare, charge the field, and slay the giant. David was a shepherd boy, armed with shepherd's tools, and he killed Goliath. His God was insulted and his people were threatened, and he refused to stand by and let it continue. He stood for justice and righteousness, and God gave him victory.
Let us stand like David did. Let us be men who are willing to do something, men who are willing to risk it all. Let us be men who will face the giant.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Use Your Strengths
"Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, 'I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.' And David took them off. He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine." -1 Samuel 17.38-40
Saul has agreed to let David fight Goliath, but before he allows him to go to battle, he dresses David in his own armor. David tries to walk, but knows he cannot face an enemy in the king's armor because he has not worked with it, and is not used to it. He takes off the armor and sets aside Saul's weapons. Instead of going to battle fully armored and armed with a sword, he picks up his shepherd's rod, collects five smooth stones for a nearby brook, and prepares his sling in his hand. These are the things he knows how to use, these are the tools he is efficient with, and these are the weapons he will slay the giant with.
When it comes to serving God, we must use our strengths. When I was late in my college years, talking about furthering my education, I was looking at a degree in pastoral counseling. That was the area I felt least equipped to tackle in ministry. I was talking to one of my professors and he told me something I'll never forget, "Strengthen your strengths, not your weaknesses." The idea is to be part of the body of Christ, part of the phalanx, to use the Spartan Warrior language. Instead of trying to develop an area that is not a strength, focus on the making your gifts stronger, and allow someone else to be strong in your areas of weakness. I do not need to be good at everything in ministry, no one will be. I need to focus on my gifts so that others can use theirs as well.
Men, what are your strengths? What areas are you gifted in? Where are you not as gifted? What do you do about these areas? Do you spend your time and energy to make your strengths stronger, so that they can be more beneficial? Or do you try to work on areas of weakness at the expense of your strengths? This does not mean spiritual disciplines, such as prayer or Bible intake. I am not suggesting that you should neglect one of these areas of weakness to focus on your stronger areas. I am talking about your gifts and skills. I was a decent wrestler, but a poor basketball player. I didn't focus my time in high school on my basketball skills, hoping to make varsity. Instead I poured myself into becoming a better wrestler, and enjoyed some success in the sport. What are your gifts? How will you strengthen them?
David fought Goliath with the tools he was familiar with, Saul fought battles in his armor with his sword. That is how it is meant to be.
Let us be men who strengthen our strengths. Let us allow others to be strong in our areas of weakness. Let us join our strengths together for teh expansion of the Kingdom.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul has agreed to let David fight Goliath, but before he allows him to go to battle, he dresses David in his own armor. David tries to walk, but knows he cannot face an enemy in the king's armor because he has not worked with it, and is not used to it. He takes off the armor and sets aside Saul's weapons. Instead of going to battle fully armored and armed with a sword, he picks up his shepherd's rod, collects five smooth stones for a nearby brook, and prepares his sling in his hand. These are the things he knows how to use, these are the tools he is efficient with, and these are the weapons he will slay the giant with.
When it comes to serving God, we must use our strengths. When I was late in my college years, talking about furthering my education, I was looking at a degree in pastoral counseling. That was the area I felt least equipped to tackle in ministry. I was talking to one of my professors and he told me something I'll never forget, "Strengthen your strengths, not your weaknesses." The idea is to be part of the body of Christ, part of the phalanx, to use the Spartan Warrior language. Instead of trying to develop an area that is not a strength, focus on the making your gifts stronger, and allow someone else to be strong in your areas of weakness. I do not need to be good at everything in ministry, no one will be. I need to focus on my gifts so that others can use theirs as well.
Men, what are your strengths? What areas are you gifted in? Where are you not as gifted? What do you do about these areas? Do you spend your time and energy to make your strengths stronger, so that they can be more beneficial? Or do you try to work on areas of weakness at the expense of your strengths? This does not mean spiritual disciplines, such as prayer or Bible intake. I am not suggesting that you should neglect one of these areas of weakness to focus on your stronger areas. I am talking about your gifts and skills. I was a decent wrestler, but a poor basketball player. I didn't focus my time in high school on my basketball skills, hoping to make varsity. Instead I poured myself into becoming a better wrestler, and enjoyed some success in the sport. What are your gifts? How will you strengthen them?
David fought Goliath with the tools he was familiar with, Saul fought battles in his armor with his sword. That is how it is meant to be.
Let us be men who strengthen our strengths. Let us allow others to be strong in our areas of weakness. Let us join our strengths together for teh expansion of the Kingdom.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, April 20, 2015
Courage and Confidence
"Then Saul said to David, 'You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.' But David said to Saul, 'Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.' And David said, 'The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'" 1 Samuel 17.33-37a
Eliab is not the only one who doesn't want David fighting Goliath. When David goes before Saul, the king is not willing to let him go out to fight. Saul points out that Goliath is a seasoned warrior, and David is just a boy. However, David is no stranger to combat. As a shepherd he was responsible to the protection of the sheep. Sheep have no natural defenses and are easy pickings for a predator like a lion or a bear, that is why they have a shepherd.
David tells Saul about the times when one of the sheep was taken, and David did what any good shepherd would do. He went after the lion or the bear, fought it and killed it, rescuing the sheep. He tells Saul that he has faced dangerous opponents before, and that this Philistine will be the same as the lion and bear that now lay dead. Goliath has insulted God, and David knows that God will deliver him from Goliath because he is standing up for God.
Men, we all face battles throughout our lives, and I believe that those small battles are preparation for when we must fight a giant. It started with a lion, then a bear, and then it becomes a nine and a half foot man. But just as God was with you, during the training battles, He will be with you against the giant. The smaller battles we face in life help us to learn to trust in God. They help us to learn how to fight and to develop the skills necessary to take on the giant. The training gives us the confidence in God to have the courage to fight, and slay, the giant.
Let us be men who fight the battles we encounter, learning to trust in God as we do. Let us be men who are willing to fight the giant because we know that God will be with us as we stand for Him. Let us be men or courage and confidence.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Eliab is not the only one who doesn't want David fighting Goliath. When David goes before Saul, the king is not willing to let him go out to fight. Saul points out that Goliath is a seasoned warrior, and David is just a boy. However, David is no stranger to combat. As a shepherd he was responsible to the protection of the sheep. Sheep have no natural defenses and are easy pickings for a predator like a lion or a bear, that is why they have a shepherd.
David tells Saul about the times when one of the sheep was taken, and David did what any good shepherd would do. He went after the lion or the bear, fought it and killed it, rescuing the sheep. He tells Saul that he has faced dangerous opponents before, and that this Philistine will be the same as the lion and bear that now lay dead. Goliath has insulted God, and David knows that God will deliver him from Goliath because he is standing up for God.
Men, we all face battles throughout our lives, and I believe that those small battles are preparation for when we must fight a giant. It started with a lion, then a bear, and then it becomes a nine and a half foot man. But just as God was with you, during the training battles, He will be with you against the giant. The smaller battles we face in life help us to learn to trust in God. They help us to learn how to fight and to develop the skills necessary to take on the giant. The training gives us the confidence in God to have the courage to fight, and slay, the giant.
Let us be men who fight the battles we encounter, learning to trust in God as we do. Let us be men who are willing to fight the giant because we know that God will be with us as we stand for Him. Let us be men or courage and confidence.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Opposition to Courage
"Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, 'Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.'" -1 Samuel 17.28
David has arrived in camp, heard Goliath's challenge, and is inquiring about why no one has accepted it. When his oldest brother hears what is going on, he is angry. His baby brother is willing to do what he is not, and his shame and fear come out in anger towards David. He tries to humiliate and insult David, because he has the courage to act where Eliab has not.
Men, when someone is willing to do what you are too afraid to attempt what is your reaction? Do you try and tear them down, as Eliab did, because they are willing to do something that you are not? The proper response should be one of support, and conviction. When others have the courage to act where we have not, we should rally behind them, not dissuade them from action.
What about when we are willing to act and we are challenged? Do we shrink back because others tell us it is impossible, or that we are crazy? Or do we stand firm in our convictions, knowing that something must be done?
Eliab was unwilling to fight the giant, but his little brother was. David's actions would make him look bad, and so he tries to shame him out of it. Fortunately for Israel, it didn't work. David went to the king, fought and killed the Giant, and delivered Israel.
Let us be men who do not shrink from the challenge, or the discouragement to face it. Let us be men who do not shame those who are willing to do what we are not.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
David has arrived in camp, heard Goliath's challenge, and is inquiring about why no one has accepted it. When his oldest brother hears what is going on, he is angry. His baby brother is willing to do what he is not, and his shame and fear come out in anger towards David. He tries to humiliate and insult David, because he has the courage to act where Eliab has not.
Men, when someone is willing to do what you are too afraid to attempt what is your reaction? Do you try and tear them down, as Eliab did, because they are willing to do something that you are not? The proper response should be one of support, and conviction. When others have the courage to act where we have not, we should rally behind them, not dissuade them from action.
What about when we are willing to act and we are challenged? Do we shrink back because others tell us it is impossible, or that we are crazy? Or do we stand firm in our convictions, knowing that something must be done?
Eliab was unwilling to fight the giant, but his little brother was. David's actions would make him look bad, and so he tries to shame him out of it. Fortunately for Israel, it didn't work. David went to the king, fought and killed the Giant, and delivered Israel.
Let us be men who do not shrink from the challenge, or the discouragement to face it. Let us be men who do not shame those who are willing to do what we are not.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, April 18, 2015
A True King
"He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, 'Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.' Again the Philistine said, 'I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.' When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid... David said to Saul, 'Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.'" -1 Samuel 17.8-11, 32
Israel is at war, once again, with the Philistines. The two camps are set up on opposite hill tops with a valley between them. Before an all out war unfolds, a single Philistine warrior, a champion named Goliath, steps forward with a challenge. The giant seeks to end the conflict with single combat, himself against Israel's best warrior, in a winner take all death match. Thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of lives will be saved from battle. Yet no one responds to his challenge for forty days, seeing it as a suicide mission.
Saul, the king, should have been the one to fight him. He was one of two Israelites with a sword, he stood head and shoulders above the rest, and he is the king. It was his job to make the people he lead safe by fighting the enemies of Israel. And yet Saul refuses to act like a king. He sits in camp, allowing this giant to insult Israel and God.
Enter David, the newly appointed king. his three oldest brothers have gone to fight with Saul's army, and their father has sent food with David who is to leave it and return with news. When he arrives and finds his brothers, Goliath comes forward with his challenge, and then does what a true king should do. His people are being humiliated and shamed. His God is being insulted and defied. A true king will not sit by and allow this to happen, he will fight this arrogant enemy.
Men, do you stand your ground? Do you allow the things that you care about to be insulted and verbally, or physically, abused as you do nothing? These are the actions of a coward, not a king. A true king will risk his life to defend those he leads, and to protect the honor of God.
Saul refused to act, but David, the newly anointed king, refused to sit by and allow this disgrace to continue. He steps up and does what a king must do.
Let us be men who act like kings. Let us stand up and defend our people. Let us stand up for God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel is at war, once again, with the Philistines. The two camps are set up on opposite hill tops with a valley between them. Before an all out war unfolds, a single Philistine warrior, a champion named Goliath, steps forward with a challenge. The giant seeks to end the conflict with single combat, himself against Israel's best warrior, in a winner take all death match. Thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of lives will be saved from battle. Yet no one responds to his challenge for forty days, seeing it as a suicide mission.
Saul, the king, should have been the one to fight him. He was one of two Israelites with a sword, he stood head and shoulders above the rest, and he is the king. It was his job to make the people he lead safe by fighting the enemies of Israel. And yet Saul refuses to act like a king. He sits in camp, allowing this giant to insult Israel and God.
Enter David, the newly appointed king. his three oldest brothers have gone to fight with Saul's army, and their father has sent food with David who is to leave it and return with news. When he arrives and finds his brothers, Goliath comes forward with his challenge, and then does what a true king should do. His people are being humiliated and shamed. His God is being insulted and defied. A true king will not sit by and allow this to happen, he will fight this arrogant enemy.
Men, do you stand your ground? Do you allow the things that you care about to be insulted and verbally, or physically, abused as you do nothing? These are the actions of a coward, not a king. A true king will risk his life to defend those he leads, and to protect the honor of God.
Saul refused to act, but David, the newly anointed king, refused to sit by and allow this disgrace to continue. He steps up and does what a king must do.
Let us be men who act like kings. Let us stand up and defend our people. Let us stand up for God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, April 17, 2015
Live the Part
"When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, 'Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.' But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" -1 Samuel 16.6-7
God has chosen His new king, and sends Samuel to anoint him as Israel's next king. He is told to go to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse, and to anoint one of his sons. When the oldest, Eliab, stands before him, Samuel believes that this must be the man. He is tall and accomplished, and even though his outward appearance is kingly, as was Saul's, his heart is not. God is not impressed with appearance or accomplishments, rather He looks at the character of a man. Each of Jesse's sons come before Samuel, and God passes on all of them.
Being a king means more than simply looking the part. Saul looked the part, but fell short with how he ruled. Jesse's first seven sons look the part, but God does not see in them the heart of a king. Looking through the past eight books of the Bible, who has God chosen? The youngest, the unequipped, the outcast, the foreigner, the least. God's picks are those that allow Him to work the most. He loves to come through for His people, and His choices in leadership reflect that it is only through Him that people are saved, rescued, and delivered.
Men, you may not look the part of a king, but it is the role God has called you to. You might not be the strongest, smartest, or most gifted, but a humble, noble, and faithful heart is worth more than all of those things. It is not about looking the part, but about living it, and that is what God is after in a king.
Let us be men who possess and inward character of heart that is pleasing to God. Let us be men, anointed by God to lead as kings. Let us live the part.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has chosen His new king, and sends Samuel to anoint him as Israel's next king. He is told to go to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse, and to anoint one of his sons. When the oldest, Eliab, stands before him, Samuel believes that this must be the man. He is tall and accomplished, and even though his outward appearance is kingly, as was Saul's, his heart is not. God is not impressed with appearance or accomplishments, rather He looks at the character of a man. Each of Jesse's sons come before Samuel, and God passes on all of them.
Being a king means more than simply looking the part. Saul looked the part, but fell short with how he ruled. Jesse's first seven sons look the part, but God does not see in them the heart of a king. Looking through the past eight books of the Bible, who has God chosen? The youngest, the unequipped, the outcast, the foreigner, the least. God's picks are those that allow Him to work the most. He loves to come through for His people, and His choices in leadership reflect that it is only through Him that people are saved, rescued, and delivered.
Men, you may not look the part of a king, but it is the role God has called you to. You might not be the strongest, smartest, or most gifted, but a humble, noble, and faithful heart is worth more than all of those things. It is not about looking the part, but about living it, and that is what God is after in a king.
Let us be men who possess and inward character of heart that is pleasing to God. Let us be men, anointed by God to lead as kings. Let us live the part.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Only So Many Chances
"Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.' Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.' Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.'" -1 Samuel 15.20-24
Saul has disobeyed God, and now that Samuel is confronting him about it and telling Him what God's judgment will be, he tries to justify it. He says that he obeyed God, but the people took some of the spoil to sacrifice it to God. When Samuel tells him that God's desire is for obedience, and that Saul has been rejected as king, he tries desperately to fix it. He admits his sin, but then blames the people for his actions. He is desperately trying to cling to power, but God is having none of it.
A king sets the example for his people, and Saul's model has been one of cowardice, irreverence, and disobedience. He has not acted like a king. He has let others fight battles for him, and will continue to, he has made sacrifices to God that he was not authorized to offer, and he has blatantly disobeyed God's commands. It has reached the point that God has had enough, and will now appoint a new king, who will act like a king.
Men, leaders only get so many chances. There is a high standard that leaders are held to, and judgment is coming. Do you want to be a leader that God rejects? Do you want to have power taken from you because you prove yourself to be unworthy of it? We only get so many chances.
Let us be men who lead others in faithful obedience. Let us not follow the example of Saul. Let us make our chances count.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul has disobeyed God, and now that Samuel is confronting him about it and telling Him what God's judgment will be, he tries to justify it. He says that he obeyed God, but the people took some of the spoil to sacrifice it to God. When Samuel tells him that God's desire is for obedience, and that Saul has been rejected as king, he tries desperately to fix it. He admits his sin, but then blames the people for his actions. He is desperately trying to cling to power, but God is having none of it.
A king sets the example for his people, and Saul's model has been one of cowardice, irreverence, and disobedience. He has not acted like a king. He has let others fight battles for him, and will continue to, he has made sacrifices to God that he was not authorized to offer, and he has blatantly disobeyed God's commands. It has reached the point that God has had enough, and will now appoint a new king, who will act like a king.
Men, leaders only get so many chances. There is a high standard that leaders are held to, and judgment is coming. Do you want to be a leader that God rejects? Do you want to have power taken from you because you prove yourself to be unworthy of it? We only get so many chances.
Let us be men who lead others in faithful obedience. Let us not follow the example of Saul. Let us make our chances count.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
All Night
"And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the Lord all night." -1 Samuel 15.11b
God has informed Samuel of Saul's disobedience, and the regret He has over making him king. The news is distressing to Samuel, the Hebrew word is charah which means a burning anger. Samuel is furious about Saul's disobedience and it prompts him to a night of unending prayer. I imagine he spent the night seeking God's guidance as to what to do next. He turned to God, giving up sleep, seeking guidance.
Men, have you ever spent the entire night in prayer? When you're angry what is your first response? Do you fire off a text, or turn to God? Do you head down to the bar, or get down on your knees? When something infuriates you do you charge ahead without thinking, spouting off irrational statements, intended to do as much damage as possible, or do you seek God's guidance and the peace that He offers.
Samuel was angry, and yet his first response is to pray. He knows that something must be done, and so he pours himself into a night of seeking God about the proper course of action that must be taken. He will not fall into the same sin as Saul. Instead he will see God, and then diligently obey.
Let us be men who turn to God before we act. Let us be men who refuse to let anger guide our words and actions. Let us be men who are willing to pray all night.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has informed Samuel of Saul's disobedience, and the regret He has over making him king. The news is distressing to Samuel, the Hebrew word is charah which means a burning anger. Samuel is furious about Saul's disobedience and it prompts him to a night of unending prayer. I imagine he spent the night seeking God's guidance as to what to do next. He turned to God, giving up sleep, seeking guidance.
Men, have you ever spent the entire night in prayer? When you're angry what is your first response? Do you fire off a text, or turn to God? Do you head down to the bar, or get down on your knees? When something infuriates you do you charge ahead without thinking, spouting off irrational statements, intended to do as much damage as possible, or do you seek God's guidance and the peace that He offers.
Samuel was angry, and yet his first response is to pray. He knows that something must be done, and so he pours himself into a night of seeking God about the proper course of action that must be taken. He will not fall into the same sin as Saul. Instead he will see God, and then diligently obey.
Let us be men who turn to God before we act. Let us be men who refuse to let anger guide our words and actions. Let us be men who are willing to pray all night.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
God's Regret
"'Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey'.... He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, 'I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.'" -1 Samuel 15.3, 8-11a
This is the final straw for Saul's reign. God is passing judgment on Amalek for his treatment of Israel on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and the command is to utterly destroy the people. Saul goes down and prepares for battle, achieves victory, and disobeys God. He spares the life of the king, as well as the best of the livestock. The text says they were not willing to destroy them. Saul was not willing to do all that God had said.
God sees Saul's actions, and He speaks to Samuel, telling him that He regrets His choice of Saul. Saul's actions of disobedience have cost him the favor of God.
Men, are you diligent to live obediently to God, or does your life bring God's regret? If God gives you a command, are you careful to fully obey it, or do you decide that you will serve God in a way other than He has instructed? Obedience is the only thing that pleases God.
Later, when Saul is confronted by Samuel, he tells him that the people took some of the best animals in order to offer them as sacrifice to God. Samuel then declares that God's desire is for obedience over sacrifice. Saul's actions have cost him his kingdom, let us be careful to guard our lives against the same actions and results.
Let us be men who diligently obey the words of God. Let us be men who faithfully do all that God commanded. May we never become men that God regrets giving power to.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
This is the final straw for Saul's reign. God is passing judgment on Amalek for his treatment of Israel on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and the command is to utterly destroy the people. Saul goes down and prepares for battle, achieves victory, and disobeys God. He spares the life of the king, as well as the best of the livestock. The text says they were not willing to destroy them. Saul was not willing to do all that God had said.
God sees Saul's actions, and He speaks to Samuel, telling him that He regrets His choice of Saul. Saul's actions of disobedience have cost him the favor of God.
Men, are you diligent to live obediently to God, or does your life bring God's regret? If God gives you a command, are you careful to fully obey it, or do you decide that you will serve God in a way other than He has instructed? Obedience is the only thing that pleases God.
Later, when Saul is confronted by Samuel, he tells him that the people took some of the best animals in order to offer them as sacrifice to God. Samuel then declares that God's desire is for obedience over sacrifice. Saul's actions have cost him his kingdom, let us be careful to guard our lives against the same actions and results.
Let us be men who diligently obey the words of God. Let us be men who faithfully do all that God commanded. May we never become men that God regrets giving power to.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, April 13, 2015
Building a Team
"Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff."-1 Samuel 14.52
Saul's reign was full of war, verse 47 says that he is fighting his enemies on every side. One particular enemy, the Philistines, prove to be a constant adversary, and Saul is always looking for good fighters. Whenever he would find a strong or noble warrior, he would recruit him into service. Saul never stopped looking for warriors, because he always needed them. Whenever he found a man with a good skill set, he brought him on board.
When it comes to building a team to take on the enemy we are never done recruiting. The war is only getting more intense, and we can never have too many warriors standing beside us. We must constantly be on the lookout for people with useful skills and noble hearts.
Men, if you are a leader, the value of a strong team cannot be underestimated. Are you always on the lookout for good men to add to your team? Are you working to train and develop those already on your team? If you aren't in a leadership role just yet, are you the type of man a leader would want on their team? Are you working to develop your skills to be fully effective? Are you a man of character and integrity?
Saul needed a strong army because he was surrounded by enemies. He saw talent and recruited it, and as he did, he came closer to victory.
Let us be men who are worthy and useful team members. Let us be leaders who don't try to go it alone, but always work to make our team stronger.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul's reign was full of war, verse 47 says that he is fighting his enemies on every side. One particular enemy, the Philistines, prove to be a constant adversary, and Saul is always looking for good fighters. Whenever he would find a strong or noble warrior, he would recruit him into service. Saul never stopped looking for warriors, because he always needed them. Whenever he found a man with a good skill set, he brought him on board.
When it comes to building a team to take on the enemy we are never done recruiting. The war is only getting more intense, and we can never have too many warriors standing beside us. We must constantly be on the lookout for people with useful skills and noble hearts.
Men, if you are a leader, the value of a strong team cannot be underestimated. Are you always on the lookout for good men to add to your team? Are you working to train and develop those already on your team? If you aren't in a leadership role just yet, are you the type of man a leader would want on their team? Are you working to develop your skills to be fully effective? Are you a man of character and integrity?
Saul needed a strong army because he was surrounded by enemies. He saw talent and recruited it, and as he did, he came closer to victory.
Let us be men who are worthy and useful team members. Let us be leaders who don't try to go it alone, but always work to make our team stronger.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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