And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and valiant men went with him, whose hearts God had touched. But some rebels said “How can this man save us?” So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. 1st Samuel 10:26-27
There was a
band of men whose hearts and minds were locked in rebellion against Saul for no
other reason than he was appointed to a position of leadership. The king James
Version calls them ”sons of Belial” which seem to sum it up nicely. “Belial” is
translated as ‘without profit, worthless, and wicked.’ They were scoundrels and
troublemakers.
Wisely, Saul
held his peace, not acting rashly (Proverbs 14:17). I have found in my own
experience God has a way of cutting through this kind of thing when I trusted
Him, and Saul’s heart still trusted Him. God was about to take him from
provocation to preeminence.
The Ammonite
people, enemies of Israel, came against the Israelites in Jabesh Gilead. The
Jews immediately capitulated and asked for a treaty instead. The Ammonite king,
Nahash, said he would agree on the condition of the Ammonites gouging out
the right eyes of the Jabesh Jews as an insult (disgrace) on Israel. The Jews
said, “Give us seven days to send for help. If no one rescues us, we will
surrender to you.” (v11:3). Amazingly, Nahash gave his permission, for the
people of Jabesh Gilead immediately sent messengers to their fellow Jews asking
for help.
When Saul
heard what the Ammonites had done, he was furious, and as Samuel had prophesied
their king would conscript thousands into the army. Saul led them against
Nahash, and God gave Israel a great victory over the Ammonites, saving the
people of Jabesh Gilead.
When all was
said and done Saul had solidified his power and people were calling for the
execution of those fellows who had rebelled against the king. But Saul refused
for it was a day of thanksgiving to God for having rescued Israel. Samuel
brought the people to Gilgal and there they renewed Saul’s kingship.
Why spend
time studying things outside of the New Testament? Aren’t we supposed to be
about spreading the gospel and not looking back? Yes, we are called to share
the gospel, yet it is always good to remember that God says, I am the LORD and
I change not” (Malachi 3:6). It is written of Jesus Himself, as Deity, God
in human flesh, He is the same yesterday [in history], today [present], and
forever [in-the never-ending future] (Hebrews 13:8).
There is
none like Him who is so fully faithful and true. He will be your shield, your
glory, and the lifter of your head (Psalm 3:3). He is with you to the end of
the age (Matthew 28:20). Believe Him, trust Him, and rest in Him. He can
overcome every provocation set against you today if you trust Him through your
circumstances. In His time, He can completely and easily lift you to
preeminence, for He never changes.
Ken
Jesus, I
am in a very tough place where others are making my life hard and difficult. I
really do want You to work on hearts and minds to their good, remembering You
love them as much as You love me. Help me to believe, trust and rest in the
reality of Your love that never changes. I am so appreciative You can raise me
from provocation to preeminence and that in all things You remain the Same. Thank
You for Your loving devotion. Amen.
