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May 13

Scripture for today: 1 Samuel 14:1-52; John 7:31-53; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7

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‘“My father has made trouble for us all!” Jonathan exclaimed. “A command like that only hurts us. See how refreshed I am now that I have eaten this little bit of honey.”‘ (1 Samuel 29:14 NLT).

From: May 13, 2019

KING SAUL, A STUDY IN LEADERSHIP FAILURE

It’s heart-breaking to read the stories about King Saul, Israel’s first king. Although he reigned for 40 years, his leadership style was fraught with short-sighted and ill-conceived tactics, blustering, macho-inspired dictates, people-pleasing priorities, and most of all – a failure to seek God first in all things. Even when God was giving him a miraculous victory over the Philistines, he jeopardized it with a foolish command saying, “Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening—before I have full revenge on my enemies.”

In spite of this, God used Saul to lead Israel and in many ways he was one of its better kings. It’s just so tragic to watch from a distance though, because Saul could’ve been one of Israel’s greatest kings. If only he would’ve feared God more than he feared man. Saul’s kingship is a study in leadership failure.

PRAYER: Dear Father, help those of us who are called to lead that we always seek to first follow You. It’s easy to see the mistakes that others make, but we are often blind to our own. Lord, we need Your wisdom and discernment. Thank You for giving us Your Spirit. Help us to hearken to His direction this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him?” (John 7:48 NLT).

From: May 13, 2018

THE RELIGIOUS ELITE REJECTED JESUS
When the Temple guards returned to the Jewish leaders empty-handed, they questioned why they didn’t bring Jesus in. But the guards replied that they had never heard anyone speak as Jesus did! At this, the rulers and Pharisees mocked the guards and asked the rhetorical question, “Do you see any of us believing in him?” Their point was that only the ignorant and the foolish would follow Jesus. Those schooled in proper religion, such as they, would not.
 
The apostle Paul explained how those who considered themselves wise, reject Christ, he wrote, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:23-24). Paul went on to write, “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful” (1 Cor. 1:26-27).
 
We may be seen as weak and foolish in the eyes of the world’s elite, but we are blessed to know Christ, “the power and wisdom of God.”

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37 NKJV).

From: May 12, 2017

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles when the Jews commemorated how the Lord had brought them through 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus stood up in the Temple and cried out with a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, come to Me and drink.” There was surely a great and noisy crowd in the Temple courts that day. Yet, above all the voices, Christ was heard crying out.

How appropriate. What perfect timing. During the Feast when the Jews remembered the rock from which Moses called forth water to quench Israel’s thirst, Jesus called spiritually thirsty people to come to Him to drink.

Why? Because “that Rock was Christ” (1 Cor.10:4).

 

 

“With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng” (Psalm 109:30 ESV)

From: May 13, 2016

David declared his intent to “give great thanks” to God in “the midst of the throng.” Not little thanks, but “great” thanks. Not private thanks, but public, in the middle of a noisy multitude. David, who often wrote of his gratitude in a psalmist journal, declared his intent to shout out loud thanks with his “mouth,” and not just his pen. He saw no separation between his private and public faith. He was ready to stand in the “midst” of a cacophonous crowd and be heard praising the Lord.

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38 NKJV)

From: May 13, 2015

Making reference to the Scripture where Moses struck the rock in the wilderness and water gushed forth, Jesus claimed to be able to make the same miracle take place in human hearts. Jesus invited them to come, drink, and believe. These three verbs in series act to intensify response to Christ’s call. When we come to the Rock and drink, we find ourselves not only fully satisfied, but we become conduits of God’s torrent of grace to others.

“Then Saul said, ‘Let’s chase the Philistines all night and plunder them until sunrise. Let’s destroy every last one of them.’ His men replied, ‘We’ll do whatever you think is best.’ But the priest said, ‘Let’s ask God first'” (1 Samuel 14:36 NLT)

From: May 13, 2014

It’s difficult to read the stories about King Saul, Israel’s first king. Although he reigned for 40 years, his leadership style was fraught with short-sighted and ill-conceived tactics, blustering, macho-inspired dictates, people-pleasing priorities, and most of all – a failure to seek God first in all things. In spite of this, God used Saul to lead Israel and in many ways he was one of its better kings. It’s just so tragic to watch from a distance though, because Saul may have been one of Israel’s greatest kings if only he would’ve feared God more than man. And sought God’s pleasure more than pleasing people. Saul’s kingship is a study in leadership failure.

“Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6 ESV)

From: May 13, 2013

This is what Jonathan, son of King Saul, said to his armor bearer before they routed a garrison of Philistines. I think God must love this kind of risk-taking faith. Perhaps the great missionary to India, William Carey, had Jonathan’s story in mind when he said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”