QT 11/24/2022 1 Sam 14:47-52, We need to seek God's solutions, not ours

1 Samuel 14:47–52 (ESV) —

47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. 48 And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them.

49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn was Merab, and the name of the younger Michal. 50 And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

52 There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.

 

NOTE: Saul had every reason for success. This summary of his life early in the story shows us God's work in his life. The next chapters show the reasons Saul's kingship was taken away.

 

But, he had victories. He had sons and daughters. His family was blessed by his position. He grew his army so that it became strong. Although, he never had peace. David achieved peace against the enemies around him, but later David did not have peace within his family. Solomon was the benefactor of the peace David established. Saul was successful, more so than any judge preceding him, but Saul fell short. And what Samuel promised happened, Saul conscripted the best men for his army.

 

When we are fighting against God and not with God, we will never have peace. We may appear fine on the outside, but inside we are fighting demons. Later Saul would experience these fits of demonic attacks. Saul looks successful, but he never experiences the true peace of soul as David would. Saul was really fighting against God all his life. David would see troubles, but David experienced peace, because he was in the will of God (most of the time).

 

PONDER:

1. Peace happens when we get on the same page as God. What page are God and I on? The same page or different pages.
2. How is my peace? Is my life characterized by peace?
3. Where am I fighting God, demanding my own results?

 

PRAYER: Father, Saul was a fool, not because of his achievements, but because he did not seek you. There is so much he could have done if he had put his trust in you. But he is an example of worldliness and how it can ruin a life. His life, by the middle of his reign, would be characterized by almost schizophrenic behavior, brought about by a lie that he could never overcome. There is balm in Gilead. There is healing in the savior, Jesus. May I always stay close to you.