The Sure Word of the Lord

So Saul, his three sons, his armorbearer, and all his men died together that same day. 1^st Samuel 31:6 (NIV)

We began our journey in the book of 1st Samuel in October of last year and as it concludes we find Saul, after being grievously wounded by the Philistines, commits suicide rather than to face the humiliation of capture and torture. As God foretold through the prophet Samuel, Saul’s kingdom perished with him and his family line. The Philistines beheaded Saul’s corpse and attached his body to the wall of the city of Beth Shan as a grizzly trophy of war (31:8-10). God’s word was a long time coming to fulfillment but it, as always, surely was fulfilled.

God says through His prophets He will be true to His word and the Apostle Paul says that whoever sows to the flesh will reap its damages (Numbers 23:19, Galatians 6:8). Saul had many years to do the right thing yet stubbornly followed his own designs.

In the previous year David and his men had lived with the Philistines to escape Saul’s wrath. He and his men had fought with the Philistines against their enemies and David gained the trust and affection of their king, Achish. (1^st Sam. 29:9). Yet, the Hebrew band was rejected by the Philistine commanders to fight with them against Israel for fear they would take up the side of their countrymen against them.

Achish reluctantly sent them back to the city of Ziklag where David and his men dwelt with their families. When they arrived, they found the Amalekites had burned their city and taken their families and herds alive. They wept until no more tears could be shed. When their grief was exhausted the men in their bitterness over the losses of their families began talking of putting David to death. This greatly distressed him, yet in all that was transpiring David found strength in the LORD his God (1^st Sam 30:6).

David inquired of the LORD if they should go after the Amalekites and God said go and they would be victorious. David and his band pursued and overcame them, safely retrieving their families and all their possessions.

This was a propitious beginning for an imperfect king who was wholly committed to the God of complete perfection. David would make some huge and costly errors as king yet would always repent and fall on the mercies and forgiveness of his loving and trustworthy God. He had yet to be crowned king over all the nation, but that would come. He would rule for 40 years, in Hebron for 7 years, and over the nation of Israel for 33, dying at the age of 70. He would lead the nation into its Golden Age, being given by God the eternal throne of the Messiah, in the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-37).

Of all the lessons I have been most aware of through my study of 1st Samuel is trust in God’s faithfulness. Hannah trusted Him for a son, then trusted him to His care. Samuel trusted the LORD from childhood to old age, Israel trusted God through Samuel’s leadership. David trusted Him through 15-20 years of uncertainty after being anointed as king.

The Lord says of Himself “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all I please’” (Isaiah 46:10).  Because He is holy, all He does is perfect. If what He accomplishes is in days or years His perfection and dependability are sure and what He does is done right and for our highest good.

Peace for me is defined in trust in the character and integrity of Christ Jesus. He meets us in the tabernacle as He did Hannah or the midnight darkness of an Engedi cave as He did David. He is faithful and full of grace and truth. In the darkness of your Engedi experience He is being faithful in His word to you and will perform it as it pleases Him.

Hold fast to Him and be patient as you wait. He is answering you even now. All those in the narrative of 1^st Samuel that waited in faith found God was faithful to work for their good and His ultimate glory. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD (Psalm 27:14).

Ken

No Fences Required

But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?” 1^st Samuel 26:9 (NKJV)

The narrative of Saul tells us of Samuel’s sorrow over the king’s failures. He mourned to such a point the LORD finally reproached the prophet saying, “How long will you mourn over Saul?” then sent him to anoint David as king (1^st Samuel 16:1). The LORD still protected Saul from harm as he had been in David’s power to kill him twice (1^st Samuel 24:3-4, 26:1-12). Both times David withheld his hand from touching Saul in respect to God’s anointing him as the king of Israel. He trusted God to judge Saul rightly.

After Samuel’s death Saul’s wrath and disobedience increased. As he withdrew his obedience the LORD withdrew His help, leaving the man desperate to hear from Him and desperate people do desperate and dangerous things.

The king went against the commandment of the LORD to have nothing to do with soothsayers, diviners, mediums, those that consult the spirits of the dead, or use witchcraft (white or black magic). Ones engaging in these practices were worthy of death (Leviticus 20:27). As there was an imminent battle with the Philistines brewing, and God was silent, Saul was frantic for some leading from the LORD and went to a witch in the village of En Dor, a medium, to call up Samuel from the dead.

The woman did not know it was Saul and asked, “Who shall I bring up for you?” Saul said, “Bring up Samuel for me.” (1 Sam 28:11-12). When the witch saw it was Samuel she screamed and knew it was Saul and that she faced punishment. As Scripture is clear that it is appointed for us once to die and then the judgment (2^nd Corinthians 5:8, Luke 16:24) the only “spirits” anyone can be in contact with are satanic beings masquerading as humans to lead the gullible into error. So, who appeared to Saul? Was it actually Samuel, or a demonic being sent to deceive?

The debate still revolves around this issue, and it remains split. My late brother and I strongly disagreed on this. He believed this was a demonic being acting as Samuel. I believe the evidence is more in favor that it was Samuel as nowhere in Scripture does it correct the reader to believe otherwise in something God strictly forbade.

I believe God allowed this as a onetime judgment against Saul. Whether it was or was not Samuel is a matter of personal conjecture. After weighing the evidence, disagreement does not affect our salvation, nor should it separate us in our fellowship with one another. It is one of those gray areas of biblical exegesis. We will know the truth one day.

We must be warned, though, that even today anything that involves occultic practices, spiritism, fortune telling, Ouija boards, tarot cards, or dealing with ‘souls of the dead’ is to be shunned and not touched in any way. These occultic practices can open the door to demonic intrusion into our lives and households and are an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:12). Trust in Him alone.

Samuel was angry he had been disturbed. Saul did get the word he was hoping for from the Lord, and the word he got was not to his liking. Samuel told him by the same time the next day Saul would be dead.

He had a kingdom given to him with the chance to be blessed and prospered by obedience to God. He had it all and could have bequeathed his legacy to his children. Instead, it was taken from him and given to another. Consistent disobedience brings consistent distress, and to the believer, the Father’s love brings discipline, correction and reconciliation.

Jesus says for us to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first and the rest will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). Obedience brings peace and rest, peace of mind in a conscience at ease and peace and rest in body and soul, and spirit.

Saul paid the piper as king, but always danced on the fence. We must remember 98% obedience to God is 100% disobedience. When we obey, the only dancing we can do is with joy. When we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, He brings us His peace, love, and joy like an ocean. No fences needed.

Ken

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.