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April 17th
Our Bible reading today, 1 Samuel chapters 25,26,27, begins with the announcement of the death and burial of Samuel, the last and greatest judge in Israel.
The day of the judges was over. Samuel anointed the “people’s king”, Saul. Then God used Samuel to anoint “His king”, David from whom the King of Kings would come as promised from the line of Judah...Jesus!
Samuel seemed to be unappreciated in Israel during his life. But the whole nation came to Ramah, Samuel’s hometown, to honor him in death. Samuel’s legacy would live on in remarkable ways.
His organizing and dispersing of the Levites into every tribe of the promised land was the cornerstone laid for determining and dispatching servants to the Temple that would represent every region in Israel. It was Samuel who remembered the Passover upon settling into the promised land. And it was him who kept Israel in remembrance of her great deliverance from Egypt by God.
In Jeremiah 15, God spoke to his prophet, Jeremiah, about his interceding for Judah. God told him that great intercessors had come before the Lord for Jacob’s children...such as Moses and Samuel.
Samuel would always be remembered as one of the great intercessors for God’s children in scripture. But not “the” Intercessor...because that is Jesus. Not just his praying...not just his miracle-working power...but his “paying” our sin debt through his suffering and sacrificial death on the cross. Our advocate before the Father taking the penalty for our sins. Dying in our place and giving us his eternal life. Now that’s INTERCEDING!
Plus, when God breathed the divine words of scripture, those words of God included Samuel’s induction to Heaven’s Hall of Faith recorded in Hebrews 11. All of the judges had their God moments...recognizing Him...obeying Him...listening to Him...and believing Him.
But the biblical record on Samuel says he loved and served the Lord his whole life. From early childhood until his heavenly homegoing. Now that’s a spiritual legacy to pass down.
One more foreshadowing of the coming Savior, Jesus.
There was a Godly woman in Israel named Abigail. She was married to a worthless, faithless man named Nabal. Nabal offended David. David rose up to get satisfaction from the arrogant offender. David called his 600 warriors to strap on their swords. And he did the same. And off they went to Nabal’s huge estate/property in keeping with his wealth.
Abigail met David and his mighty men just down the road. She had with her the best of their herds and crops and the finest of their vines and wines...enough for all in the army of David. That day, the righteous judgment of David was satisfied by the offerings of Abigail. She risked her life to save her no-good husband.
Do you see it?... Abigail pictures Christ and his offering on the cross. Jesus satisfied the righteous judgment of God upon me and my no good, sinning life...not by risking his life...but by laying down his life to save me and you.
Abigail, your story definitely belongs in the Bible. You saved your husband’s life, even if but for a while.
But we know you agree that Jesus’ story is far better. Thanks, Jesus!
Have a great day
