1 Samuel Chapter 11
In the last chapter, we see that Saul was anointed as king of Israel but not everyone was pleased with this.
But some rebels said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.
~ 1 Samuel 10:27 ~
Today’s passage spoke about the first actions of Saul after he was made king.
The people of Jabesh Gilead was threatened by the Ammonites with eye gouging if they wanted a covenant of peace with them. This news stirred up not just Saul but many in Israel who banded together to defeat the Ammonites.
God’s hand was clearly seen throughout this whole episode:
- God’ Spirit came upon Saul (vs 6)
- Fear of the Lord fell on the people and they went out as one (vs 7)
- Saul acknowledged that salvation was accomplished because of God (vs 13)
So what are the few things that struck my mind?
Firstly, we need to be concerned about the issues that our brethren face.
When Saul heard the weeping of the people of Jabesh Gilead, he went to inquire what was happening. Upon hearing it, the Spirit of God came upon him and his anger was aroused.
Are we concerned about the issues that our brethren are facing? Do we just hear about it but it does not move us?
Announcements have been made for our brethren in Myanmar who are undergoing difficult circumstances currently. Nearer to us, our brethren in Malaysia is under Full Lockdown and this has affected the livelihoods of many, and some have been separated from their families for more than a year.
Some of our members are very sick. Some are stressed out under the current pandemic situation.
For those that we know… are we stirred up to do anything?
Which brings me to the second point: We must be willing to be involved in the work.
Saul was a good example here. He did not say that this was just the problem for the people of Jabesh Gilead. He decided to do something … and inspired others to follow his lead. Although you can say Saul’s “persuasion” method was not exactly subtle.
But he lead the people and was directly involved in the work of getting rid of the Ammonites. Rallying others to join in the work was and is important.
Are we like this in the matters of God?
Lastly, focus on God and not yourself.
When they were victorious, there were some that wanted to take the opportunity to get rid of those who opposed Saul (vs 12).
But Saul wisely (one of the very few times) decided that the focus should be on God for His salvation (vs 13).
This should also be our attitude. Whatever we do and succeed – the focus should always be on God on not us. We are just His instruments to do His will for His people.
Samuel brought all of them to Gilgal to make sacrifices of peace offering before the Lord and Saul and the people rejoiced greatly.
Whatever misgivings, or unhappiness we may have with others in our course of work – at the end of it all, let us come before God and offer our peace offerings and be reconciled… so that all of us can rejoice as one in the Lord.