Day 77

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Samuel Anoints Saul King of the Iraelites!

Scripture

March 17—1 Samuel 9-12: Saul, First King of Israel

Observation

In response to the Israelites' persistent request for a king, God grants their wish. Saul, a handsome figure from the tribe of Benjamin, goes searching for a lost donkey, and instead finds Samuel, who anoints him king over Israel. Saul promptly leads the nation in battle against the Ammonites, wins a decisive victory, and humbly refuses to punish those who would not acknowledge him as king. But though early in his reign Saul honors God, Samuel warns the people of the danger of not allowing God to be the king of their hearts: "If you continue to sin, you and your king shall be destroyed" (12:25).

Application

A hard to control little boy was told by his mother to sit quietly in a chair. He grudgingly obliged, but after taking his seat he announced, "I may be sitting still on the outside, but on the inside I'm still running around!" His mother's authority was enough to control her son's body, but not his heart!

Such was the case with Israel. Like a little child, the nation was admonished by Samuel to continue in the ways of God, even though the people now had a human king of their own. Outwardly, they agreed to serve and obey God. But in spite of external compliance, their hearts remained unchanged.

God wants people who have bodies (actions) and hearts (attitudes) that are pleasing to him. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into two columns. Over the left column write: "Things I do for God." Over the right: "Why I do what I do for God." Now begin to fill in the columns. And if you find you're doing some of the right things for the wrong reasons, ask God for a "heart transplant" today. That's his specialty (Jeremiah 17:9-10)!

Prayer

Dear God, we are so blessed that you don't act out of character. Just like you promise your people that you would not abandon them, you sent us Jesus and he will never leave nor forsake believers today either. For that we want to remain faithful. In Jesus name, amen! 

Examine Your Heart


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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