Intrigue. Conflict. Honor. Deception. Jealousy. This week finds us immersed in the time of the kings of Israel. The big three- Saul, David, and Solomon, will reign over Israel for a period of about 90 years. During this time, the borders of the country will be expanded, most of her enemies subdued, a strong sense of nationhood will develop.
But the heart of these stories is the people themselves. The kings take center stage, and it is their actions, decisions, and their heart for God (or lack there of) that will guide each story. In this week, I would encourage you to watch carefully the interactions between Saul and David. As Saul's kingdom declines and God clearly begins to anoint and lift up David, their courses of behavior become more and more telling. One trust, waits, and listens to God. The other lashes out in anger, protects himself and his reputations, and ultimately looses everything. There are lessons to be learned here about the true nature of godly leadership, and the life that honors Him.
May your reading this week be blessed!
What are you learning?
What are you challenged by?
Read on-
Nick
2 comments:
I know I am a little behind and I am fully aware of "Grace Monday". However, I am catching up. I had just met with a friend this week for coffee and we were discussing body image and Idolatry.
We were both stumped and trying to think of a verse that clearly states what God says about Beauty. We parted ways with the challenge to look deeper into this.
So the next day I grabbed my coffee, my bible, and prayed. I prayed that God would speak to me while I am reading. So, I am reading (I warned you I am behind) 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart".
I think a lot of times we get hung up on the look, build, and our version of what makes one qualified to be a leader. God saw in David’s heart and saw that he feared God and that is what made him beautiful to God. David trusted, waited, and listened to God and in this he honored God.
Saul was set on himself and behaved foolishly and lost everything because he did not honor God and in that he lost everything. Even after Saul's death David maintained a Reputable manner.
Well said Shannon. Saul had all the outward look, but lacked the internal faith in God. In the end, this was his undoing. The question for me always comes down to this: Whose opinion are we most interested in? God's? Or cultures (someone else)?
Thanks for posting- even late!
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