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April 11th
Today’s Bible reading is found in 1 Samuel chapters 13 & 14.
But first...an introduction. From yesterday’s reading, we learned that Samuel gave Israel a farewell speech or sermon.
The sermon was short, so he got right to his main points. “Israel, you have done much evil in these days. I’m going to prove it to you.” Did Samuel bring out a documented list of all their sinning against God? No! Did he call on witnesses to verify the convicting list? No!
“Samuel called on God”. And God immediately sent a thunderstorm with such a downpour of rain that the wheat harvest was destroyed before the people’s eyes. And the people “greatly” feared the Lord. And they asked Samuel to intercede to God for them. And Samuel said, “Don't be afraid...serve the Lord with all of your heart. The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake for it has pleased the Lord to make “you” a people for Himself.”
O friends, fellow followers of Jesus, we admit that our sinning is great and maybe we even think that we are far past God’s forgiveness.
But we are not. Let us listen one more time to the old prophet Samuel “don't be afraid...God will not forsake His own...for it has pleased Him to make us (yes us...sinners) a people for Himself!
AMAZING...”Amazing grace” how sweet the sound”...that saved a wretch like me...I once was lost but now I am found...was blind but now I see.”
“Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come. Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far...And grace will lead me home.”
Thank you, John Newton..thank You JESUS.
That is still the best good news ever. Not just for remembering, but especially for living every day!
Now to today’s reading. Many had forgotten God’s amazing grace. But one had not.
The Philistine army had camped just outside of Michmash in the territory of Benjamin. 48,000 foot soldiers and add chariots and horsemen to the mix. Saul had 3,000 on the other side of the ravine. He blew the trumpets to gather more men, but instead of others swelling the ranks, even his 3,000 dwindled to 600 because of dissertations.
Fear ruled the rank and file. Where was faith in God at this hour? Where was courage? Where were the brave men for such a time as this? That faith had escaped King Saul. That courage was nowhere to be found in Saul and his captains. Where was it?
It was in Jonathan, Saul’s son. Jonathan turned to the young man that was carrying his shield and said in faith, “Let us go over to that garrison on the ridge...perhaps God will work for us...for He gives victory whether by many or by few...and Jonathan’s armor-bearer said, “Do all that is on your heart...I’m with you, heart and soul...” In other words, both of these young plebes were all in trusting God to get them through many dangers, toils, and snares.
So what happened? Well that’s the rest of the story.
Have a great day
