God Speaks
Exploits of King Saul and His Son Jonathan
Verse of the Day: Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer. “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6 NIV 2011) [In saying this, he was demonstrating his absolute trust in the LORD.]
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 1 Samuel 13-14
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
1 Samuel 13
1. God’s timing is always right.
2. People, like King Saul, do not wait on the LORD or His messengers, but they foolishly take matters into their own hands.
1 Samuel 14
1. God (like any good father) expects His people to trust and obey Him.
2. Sons who trust and obey the LORD (Jonathan) can be wiser than their fathers who do not but who act impulsively without considering the consequences (Saul).
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 1 Samuel 13-14?
Thank You, LORD God, that Your timing is always perfect. When I feel otherwise, it is me who is wrong. Like King Saul, I do not wait on the LORD or His messengers well. Often, I foolishly take matters into my own hands. Holy Spirit, please help me to learn to patiently wait on the LORD. LORD God, like any good father, You expect Your children to trust and obey You. You even set up situations where we can practice these traits. You are there rooting for us to succeed, but we are the ones who need to put in the effort to win the battle. LORD, those like Jonathan who trust and obey You can accomplish great things either in the here and now or in eternity. Those like his father Saul who do not but who act impulsively will suffer the consequences, again either here and now or in eternity. May increasing numbers of people follow Jonathan’s example, thus bringing You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 1 Samuel 13-14?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
I will take action as directed by God without fearing what other people may think.
I will not take action without consulting the LORD on a matter.
I will will seek to be a person after God’s own heart.
I will look out for the interests of those for whom I am responsible.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.