Day 83

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"Death of King Saul", 1848 by Elie Marcuse (Germany and France, 1817–1902)

Scripture

March 23—1 Samuel 27-31: Saul's Final Downfall and Death

Observation

The book of 1 Samuel closes with a climactic series of events, leading to the death of Saul and his sons and clearing the way for David's ascent to the throne. Disheartened and weary, David defects to the Philistines for his own protection and settles in Gath, the very city from which Goliath came! He finds himself using deception to avoid siding with the Philistines in the growing hostilities against Israel. Saul, unable to find direction from God, consults a spiritist through whom God delivers a chilling prediction of judgment and death.

Application

In modern English the word tragedy is used to describe any adversity, no matter what its cause. But more specifically, a tragedy is a calamity that results from a wrong decision based upon a flawed character. Using this definition, Saul's life was a true tragedy. It held so much promise of success for himself and the nation, yet it ended in defeat and disgrace—all because of pride and self-will.

Becoming a Christian doesn't mark the end of your battle with sin and temptation, in many ways, it marks the beginning! As a Christian you still have a sin will that seeks to express itself in your daily actions. You also have a personal will that desires to direct your life. And both need to come under the control of Jesus Christ! 

Prayer

Lord, help us to stay on the straight and narrow road to your salvation. It gets hard and we are always face with temptation and in need of renewing our faith in you. Thank you for walking with us. In Jesus name, amen!

Listen to "Take My Life and Let it Be" hymn to symbolize renewing your commitment to the Faith!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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