Friday, October 27, 2017

Year 7, Day 300: 1 Samuel 14

Theological Commentary: Click Here


Today we see the fruition of yesterday’s sin.  Saul was afraid of the mounting Philistine army, so he attempted to force God’s hand and get His blessing.  Saul sinned unremorsefully.

Look at how God saves the Hebrew people.  God doesn’t do it with force.  In fact, God does it with a single young man and his shield bearer.  In fact, it is Saul’s own son who brings about God’s salvation.  Saul fears at the sight of the massive encampment of Philistines; God sends two men in and turns the Philistine camp into a place of panic and slaughter.

Saul really doesn’t understand God’s power.  Honestly, how many of us truly do?  The main difference, though, is that Saul is not patient enough to let God’s plan unfold.  Jonathan is, however.  Jonathan tells the shield bearer to wait if the Philistines don’t invite them in but to go forth in confidence if the Philistines invite them in.  Jonathan is willing to let God dictate the terms.  Jonathan sets himself up to either do whatever God’s will is and then let God determine the terms.

For me, that’s the big learning.  Jonathan is a patient leader who does have a heart for God’s ways.  Jonathan is willing to wait upon the Lord and follow.

<><

No comments:

Post a Comment