Waiting While the War Rages

Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” So Saul eyed David from that day forward. 1^st Samuel 18:8-9 (NKJV)

Even as God had rejected Saul, the man doggedly held onto power and declared war on God’s newly anointed king in the young shepherd, David.

It is estimated at the time of his confrontation with Goliath David may have been between 15-17 years old. He would not ascend to full kingship over the nation until age 30, around 993 BC. In the intervening years David and those loyal to him remained on the run from Saul’s fury, hiding and living in caves throughout the wilderness.

Saul was brutal in his hatred of David. After the priest Ahimelek gave David and his followers permission to eat the tabernacle’s consecrated bread of the Presence (1 Sam 21:6, Luke 6:3-4), Saul ordered 85 Levitical priests executed, destroying their town of Nob, putting to death everyone, including children and infants, slaughtering even their livestock (Sam. 22:19).

David patiently waited for God to perform His word while war raged around him. During those years there were moments of fear, terror, and comfort in his faith. Read through his psalms and it is evident. Yet he knew the Lord’s love always protected, was always trustworthy, always offered hope, and always persevered (1^st Corinthians 13:7).

If you are waiting while your war rages, be encouraged. It might be roaring around you and you may be on the verge of folding but take heart. Remember how David patiently waited and trusted the true Word of God through those many years between His promises. David had that Word through Samuel, and in Christ we have His Word made flesh, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

David’s psalms record his high points and low. Not every day was a victory, nor every day a defeat. Through many days of uncertainty and nights of despair, he always recounted God’s faithfulness.  

If you are in a war that has no ending, I can only encourage you to wait, trust, and be patient as did David and his men. Your battle may have been ignited by another or even circumstances beyond your control, yet the battle belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. Even when it seems battles are lost, His power is holding the enemy at bay, keeping him from doing greater damage. He will always finish the fight and in any battles lost, win every war (2^nd Corinthians 10:4, 1^st Corinthians 15:57).

Remember the Lord’s greeting to a frightened Gideon, hiding from his enemies, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). The battle belongs to the Lord. Let this be your comfort and peace as the war rages while you wait. The Lord is with you mighty warrior. Grace and peace to you through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Eternally Triumphant.

Ken

A Giant Loss

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 1^st Samuel 17:50 (NKJV)

We all know the story of David and Goliath. David, as a young Hebrew warrior and future king, is cheered for his bravery and trust in God, but have you ever wondered who mourned for Goliath? The story of David’s stand against the giant Philistine warrior of Gath (9’9” tall) has been vigorously portrayed in both secular and religious versions.

Goliath’s scaled armor of bronze weighed five thousand shekels (125 pounds/58 kilograms). The handle of his spear was like a weaver’s beam (2” -- 2.5” diameter), with an iron tip of six hundred shekels weight (15 pounds/6.9 kilograms, vv 17:4-7). Secular media will use the account to illustrate how an underdog defeats a giant corporation, and I have heard many sermons on how a small stone shut a big mouth.

The loss of this man was more catastrophic in the eyes of God than it was to the Philistines. When anyone dies outside of God’s grace and forgiveness it is a disaster.

In today’s world of instant online and televised violence and death it seems our acceptance of it leaves us mostly numbed to its impact. It can be too easily overlooked when the wicked get what is coming to them. More is the pity that any person, man, or woman, dies outside of God’s grace, and a ‘’good riddance” attitude of satisfaction is our response. Was Christ’s blood shed on the cross for only the worthy? That goes against everything He lived and died to redeem. It was for all (2^nd Corinthians 5:14), especially the overtly evil and wicked. Jesus said, “There is rejoicing before the angels over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

It is in our fallen natures to cling to harsh views of others with whom we disagree. We can hold onto a vicious win at all costs rationale, followed by a smug attitude when anyone we dislike goes down in defeat, including, yes, even politicians and celebrities. This attitude makes our hearts hard, compassionless and without grace.

Scripture teaches we ought to fight against the kingdom of darkness, for it constantly wars to destroy us. However, there is nothing in it that teaches a doctrine of cheering or gloating over the death of another, unrighteous or even righteous. This should not be so, for Christ has demonstrated a perfect way and called us to a higher standard and action of faith (1^st John 4:7, Galatians 6:10).

Let us pray for those who mistreat us, or do not share our values and convictions, blessing those who curse us, as our Lord commanded (Luke 6:28). They are unregenerated persons. How else would the unregenerate act except wickedly? Jesus can give them a new life, and a new hope too. When was the last time you prayed for them? It is not an easy thing to do. I struggle in this, too.

God will bring the victory and as Goliath, all who defy the Lord will all too soon come to an end not of their liking. Who will mourn for them? Are we mourning for them even now? Are we doing all we can to reach out to them now? Despite their size, their demise would be counted a giant loss.

Ken

4 Reasons I celebrate Christmas

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Luke 1:30-32 (NKJV)

A new Christmas season is here. It seems it comes sooner and departs even more quickly than it arrived. As it is often said, “When you hear Christmas music it means Thanksgiving is just around the corner.”

I want to take this time to extend my holiday wishes to you personally, and to your families offering my sincerest desire to you for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and fulfilling New Year. Whether you feel you may celebrate Christmas or not, is between you and the Lord (Colossians 2:16-17). I was once counseled by a trusted shepherd, “Ken, there’s nothing in the Scriptures that commands us to observe the birth of Christ, and there’s nothing in Scripture that forbids it, either. The choice is yours.”

I have 4 reasons why I have the freedom to celebrate Christmas:

(1) Forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus was born so my broken fellowship with God could be reconciled and restored. 

(2) Love demonstrated by giving. God freely gave me what was most precious to Him in His only begotten Son (John 3:16). I can freely give of myself in so many ways that help and bring relief to others that cause them to glorify our Father in Heaven for any good work I can do. 

(3) Life, both physical & eternal. It relieves my burden of guilt and shame by God’s forgiveness through Christ that completely justifies me in His eyes. I live a more satisfied life now with the knowledge it is life eternal in its fullest beauty and glory, right now and forever.

(4) Hope. Without hope there is despair. With hope I rejoice that this world is fleeting and what I do not currently see now, I yet sense and believe. This invisible world is the truer reality. God exists and is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

I do not worship Celtic men of oak, pine trees, boughs, wreaths of holly, candles, lights, ornaments, the sun, moon, stars, winter solstices, nor revere Stone Henge, or Mother Earth, but only our Father in heaven. I celebrate Christmas for one reason-and one reason alone-Jesus Christ who, as God, became a human just like me. He was born as a wee babe and laid in a manger. He did so to save me from my sins (Matthew 1:21, John 1:1, 14). These are things indeed worth celebrating.

I will be taking a short break from our study in 1^st Samuel to rest, recharge and refocus on family. Take time to do the same and be zealous to do good to all and especially to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10). 

I will return 9 January of 2023 and resume our study in 1st Samuel. Best wishes to you all and God bless you one and all. Thanks for your continued support and prayers. God is faithful. Praise His holy name. Merry Christmas from the Evans household and a very Happy New Year!

Ken & Family

 

Lessons From a Muddy Ditch

Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all that night. 1^st Samuel 15:10-11 (NIV)

I will never forget a sermon where my pastor wanted to demonstrate to us how a little sin defiles a lot. It had rained the previous night, and on his way to church, he stopped at a ditch and filled a jar with muddy water. He presented to us a bottle of purified water, pouring it into a clean drinking glass. He then asked, “How many of you would be willing to take a drink from this glass?”

Many of us raised our hands. He then took an eye dropper and put three drops of muddy ditch water into the glass of water and asked, “How about now?” He had no takers, for pristine water is always the better choice over water that has been tainted. In a glass of 100% purity, a mere 3 drops, or 3% impurity, was enough to cause us to reject his offer.

Saul had begun his rule as king over Israel with what seemed a heart dedicated to serving God fully and obediently. But Saul was a three percenter, willing to be satisfied with only adequate obedience to God but remained willing to keep drinking the taint.

At this time, he had probably ruled over the nation for some twenty years, but his spiritual commitment had spiraled down into megalomania, setting up a monument in his own honor, and intending to execute his own son, Jonathan, over a foolish vow, he, Saul, had made. It took the intervention of the army stepping in to save the young man’s life.

God had directed Saul to destroy the Amalekite people who had opposed Israel’s passage in their sojourn out of Egypt some 450 years before. God had given the descendants of Amalek centuries to repent, yet they refused, and with His patience run out, His justice, as always, prevailed. As they refused to repent God directed Saul to destroy everything of the Amalekites, including the people, their substance, and even every animal.

Saul disobeyed God’s direct command by taking their king, Agag, alive, and keeping the good livestock, killing off the “despised and weak” animals (v 15:9). When Samuel saw it, he was displeased and said, “What have you done?” Saul immediately went to lying to justify his disobedience. Samuel cut him off and said ”Enough!” then pronounced the judgment of the LORD on him (vv15:15-23).

It is interesting to note God said Saul had turned away from Him which means God's faithfulness had never wavered. A part of Saul’s heart was willing to be content drinking the three percent. Three percent does not seem like that much or even enough to lose a kingdom over, but a 3% taint for God is 3% too much for His purity to accept. Being king was not dependent on valor or great leadership. It was dependent on heart attitude, and God had found one in the young shepherd David from the family of Jesse of Bethlehem. This choice to replace Saul as king would be to raise up a man whose love, devotion, and commitment were in line with His own heart (I Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22).

David would certainly commit some glaring sins, but because he had a heart for the LORD, he was quick to see his fault, confess it, take responsibility, make restitution where he could, repenting (turning away from the sin), and asking forgiveness. In other words, being willing to reject the 3%.

We will see David display a steadfast heart for the King of Glory. Even with all of David’s failures God would bless him with a kingdom that would last forever (2nd Samuel 7:11-16, 25-29). God has given this Eternal King to the Jew first and then to we Gentiles (Luke 24:47, Romans 1:16) in His Son Jesus Christ, a fully righteous king who will rule forever on the throne of His ancestor David.

David composed a psalm that acknowledges Him when he asks “Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:10). He does not give us 97% of his time or care. He is a 100% beneficent King in His care and calls us to be 100% committed to Him in our obedience and service.

We need not be content with a 3% taint from a spiritual ditch. He offers the freshest and cleanest living water imaginable, which will quench our spiritual thirst (John 4:14, 7:37). It will be, in its purity, rivers of living water welling up to eternal life. We will become the man or woman with a heart after His own. If God believes we can do it, we can trust and believe it too. Let us not be only hearers of the word and be deceived, let us be doers (James 1:22), 100% of the time. Grace and peace to you this week.

Ken

From Provocation to Preeminence

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. 1^st Samuel 10:26-27

Some of us have experienced situations where when elevated to a position of leadership we have encountered jealous provocation from others, either passive-aggressively, or in outright hostility.

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.

When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.” 1^st Samuel 8:21-22 (NIV)

A New King in Town

There is much historical background in these books of the Bible. For brevity, I will encapsulate the story to just the essential context. I encourage you to read the books of First and Second Samuel for yourself. It is both an enlightening and encouraging read in God’s imminence (presence and work) among His people.

The people of Israel wanted to be like the other nations (v 8:5). It was not God’s will for His people to have a king, but He gave them what they wanted in Saul, the son of Kish.

Saul was everything we find attractive in physical looks and power. He was tall, extremely handsome, and from a wealthy family (vv 9:1-2). In searching for some of his father’s donkeys that had strayed he was brought to Samuel. God had told Samuel the previous day about Saul and that he was His choice to be king. After telling Saul God had ordained him to be king Samuel anointed him with olive oil, kissed him in the middle eastern fashion and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?”

Saul was off to a good start as king. He demonstrated a willingness to follow God’s leading. He even opened himself to being used by the Holy Spirit and it changed him into a different person (vv 10:6,10). Then he demonstrated humility at his presentation to the nation by Samuel at Mizpah (vv 10:20-23). But, alas, as admirable as these traits were, they were not firmly set convictions and they did not last. Saul could have allowed his good start to carry him into a monarchy blessed and strengthened by the hand of the LORD. He began as a popular leader but because of a headstrong and disobedient heart, God would eventually give the kingdom to another.

A point I wish to leave you with is how the Israelites said they wanted a king “to be like the nations.” That can be a huge problem for us as believers when we look around and want to be like everybody else. God calls us to a different way of living, not just for our satisfaction but for His glory. He chose Israel as His own particular people to serve and represent Him to the nations, not to mimic them. He has chosen us in the same manner.

We have one King and Lord who is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3), and His Majesty the King has called and ordained us to a higher calling, as a specially chosen royal priesthood (1^st Peter 2:9). In Christ, we have received His highest honor.

 People often become angry when discussing their opinions, but that is seldom the case with convictions. Let us hold to convictions of righteousness. Are your convictions anchored in the righteousness of Christ the King? What are yours and what will you do with them?

Ken

 

The Six Takes of Israel

   But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 1^st Samuel 8:6 (NIV)

God raised up a shepherd/leader for Israel in Hannah’s child, Samuel. And “As the shepherd goes, so go the sheep.” Samuel led the nation in righteousness, causing them to destroy their idols and obey the LORD. He was an itinerant pastor of the nation, going from town to town in a yearly circuit, returning to his hometown of Ramah where he would hold court for Israel (1st Sam 7:15-17).

As he grew old, he appointed his two sons, Joel and Abijah, as Israel’s leaders. It looked like a Hophni and Phineas do-over, for Samuel’s boys turned to dishonesty, accepting bribes, and perverting justice (v 8:3). 

The first question that comes to mind is why did God not judge Samuel as He had Eli? Eli had willingly ignored the problem of his sons evil until it was too late (v 3:13). There is no indication anywhere in scripture that Samuel did that. It is the heartbreak of some parents, to have children who refuse to follow the godly teachings they received.

The elders knew Samuel would not live forever and were apparently unwilling to repeat Israel’s disreputable history under Eli’s family. They came to the prophet and asked for a king to lead them. This displeased him that the people were so willing to disregard the will of the King of the Universe. He went to the LORD and was told they were not rejecting Samuel but God’s reign over their lives. He said to give them what they wanted, which is always a red flag to any nation that disregards God’s leadership and protection. Many times, getting what we want is the last thing we need. Samuel spelled out what a king over them would claim in a ‘six takes’ address. 

First, a king would take their sons to serve his military (conscription). He would take their daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers (denial of a free job market). He would take their land from them and appoint men of his choice to oversee their upkeep (confiscation of personal property). He would take a tenth of what they produced and give it to his officials and attendants (bureaucracy). He would take their male and female servants, and their livestock for his own use, and he would take a tenth of their flocks and themselves as captive laborers (slavery). His caveat was, “When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you” (vv 8:11-18).

The people said, “Uhhhh, OK, Great. That sounds doable. We’ll go with a king.” They sacrificed their liberty for security, and as Franklin said some 3,000 years later, when a people do that, they, “get neither.” If they had waited on the LORD, He would have given them both, and much more (Deuteronomy 8:1-13).

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people (Proverbs 14:34). It would only take 120 years under three kings until their rebellion against God brought civil war and a divided kingdom. The straw that broke the camel’s back was the heavy economic burden, taxation, and oppression the kings had imposed on them, just as Samuel had prophesied (1^st kings 12:3).

As a nation, have we acted righteously? Evidence is to the contrary. We have turned away from God’s commandments in accordance with His nature, character, and holiness to trusting in what is “right” in our own eyes or in government and elected officials to save us.

I have grown up in an America that is now unrecognizable to me. I love our nation and consider myself a man of conservative values, but a monarchist first, for I serve a King. Only God can save this nation, not by getting on our feet and moving to change but first on our knees in repentance and prayer. As important as moving in action is, and it is, prayer is its shoe leather. As we do, we will allow God to add the rest of the kingdom to us (Matthew 6:33, James 1:22).

“They have not rejected you, they have rejected Me.” When God is willfully and continually rejected, He will give us what we want, and it can be a tough education, but it always comes down to our choice (Romans 1:28). Now is the time to turn our eyes on Jesus as the only One with the power and authority to save us. Let us look to Him as our hope. He alone is the rightful King, and the King commands us!

Ken