Art Linkletter’s statement that "Children say the most amazing things" helps us to laught at life from a child’s perspective. But, here are some news items that will cause you to SHAKE you head in amazement.
The Stupid - Criminals HALL OF SHAME……
How could anybody do such a stupid thing?
I recently was in a convenience store and observed a child and parent near the check out. The child picked up some candy and said, “I want this….” Mom said, “I told you no more candy today… you’ve had enough….” The child objected “but, Mom…I want this…” A little louder, Mom said, “I told you no….” Then, with a tear and louder in volume, the child said, “Mom, I want some candy…” (as if they had not had any candy in years). Several more people had gathered and were waiting to check out & Mom knew something had to be done quickly. So, under the pressure to check out and pressure from the child - so she said, “OK”.
Another picture - A child wants something badly but senses that his parents will not let him. “Dad, can I ask you something?” But, Dad says, “NO!”. Not content with that answer, the child goes to Mom … and instead of asking “what did your Dad say?" (and stick with that answer), the child asks Mom and if she says "Yes", the child got what was desired by playing the parents one against the other.
Do people also do that with God? When God says, “NO” have you kept asking, trying to twist God’s arm? When God says, “YES” - we may even gloat (we may call it thanksgiving) but we GOT IT!
God’s word is practical. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Bible is the record of God’s plan for humankind. In the beginning, Adam and Eve were created perfect and lived in THE perfect place with only 1 restriction - do not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, like a WET PAINT sign, that tree was attractive to them and when they gave into the temptation and took the fruit from the tree, they had what they wanted but discovered it was not all it was cracked up to be & certainly not in God’s plan for them. They got what they wanted, but it wasn’t good for them.
Sometimes, in our spiritual growth, God gives us what we ask for. But, does it satisfy?
In 1 Sam., the nation of Israel had settled in the Promised Land. After the Exodus from Egypt under Moses’ strong leadership, Joshua led the people of God through a long period of conquering the land God had given them. Following Joshua’s death, when there should have been a period of success, prosperity and spiritual growth, there was confusion and spiritual defeat. This was known as the time of the Judges - a dark period in the history of Israel. (read Judges 2:10-19). Life revolved around small groups. No central government dictated laws or taxes or military service.
Israel was not a military power, however. And, as their enemies, particularly the Philistines became more of a threat, Israel wrestled with what it meant to trust Jehovah God. Could He protect them? Could He be trusted to deliver them from their enemies? On one occasion (1 Sam. 4), they superstitiously trusted the ark (God’s presence) and were defeated. As a result the Ark was captured and they lost a sense of God’s presence and power. After being returned by the Philistines, the ark remained for 70 years in Kiriath Jearim (1 Sam. 7). Samuel, the last of the judges, called for a nationwide Revival. Samuel followed a long line of leaders who proclaimed Jehovah God was KING of ISRAEL.
Now, after a lengthy and successful career, Samuel was considering retirement. His sons were the natural choice to succeed him. Unfortunately, Samuel’s sons were more interested in making money than following God. 1 Sam. 8:3 - NLT - “They were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.”
So, with Samuel retiring and his crooked sons in line to lead the country, the leaders of Israel met with Samuel and said they didn’t want his sons to lead them. Instead, they wanted a military leader who could lead them against the Philistines and other enemies.
From a human perspective, their request was very understandable. After a period of DARK days, and since Samuel was going to retire and no one was qualified to lead them into the future, it seemed like a good time to propose the idea of a KING. In the middle of a leadership crisis, with hostile neighbors, and a lack of confidence in Samuel’s sons, confidence in leadership was necessary. While Jehovah God had been faithful in the past, "those days" were in the past. The new generation did not live through them and since the Philistines were strong and powerful with their king, a king seemed to be the need of the hour.
Was the request for a king wrong in itself? In Gen. 49:10, Jacob prophesied that one day they would have a king. In Number 24:17, Balaam prophesied that one day they would have a king. In Deut. 17:14-15, since Israel would 1 day have a king, specific instructions were given on how to choose a king - God’s way. These instructions were ignored - the people just wanted a king. And like a child wanting candy in the store, "Samuel, give us a king."
Samuel’s response reveals his character and personality. He was greatly upset and prayed (1 Sam 8:7-8). As the spiritual conscience and leader of Israel, Samuel knew the selection of a king was a mistake. God replied (1 Sam. 8:7-9)and told Samuel 3 times (v7, 9, 22) to give them what they wanted. After warning them of the changes ahead, the people said replied in the affirmative (1 Sam. 8:19-20).
With this decision, Israel rejected God’s leadership and authority.
There are problems in the life of every Christian and every church. There are no problem free churches. Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy! Congregational church polity assumes that a congregation is autonomous but is also submissive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Baptist churches often claim to be DEMOCRATIC in polity, but in reality, we are a THEOCRACY - ruled by God. This is Jesus’ church. When God is allowed to lead His church, He can do amazing things.
Tragically, on some occasions, people think up a “better way” or “our way”. Sometimes, God’s greatest judgment is giving us what we think we want or letting us have it our way. Judgment can occur when God gives an individual Christian, church or even a nation what they want and not what He wants. This is called the PERMISSIVE WILL OF GOD!!!
Remember, in every church, problems arise because people are involved. The ministerial leadership may be at fault, individual members may be at fault, financial limitations may cause problems, and sometimes, like Israel’s leadership, someone or some group of people arrive at a solution to the problem. In a church of 300 Baptists, there are probably 400 opinions about how to solve problems. Some of these include - more music, less music, more preaching, less preaching, more youth activities, less youth activities, more classes, less emphasis on money, the preacher need to wear a tie, we need a new program, we need to be more happy, we need more outreach, and maybe we need a change in leadership.
Like Israel, we are constantly learning what it means to follow God and how much we can trust Him.
If you were on the King search committee, what would you look for in a king? Tall, battle experienced, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? There typically aren’t resumes for kingship, but if there were resumes submitted - Saul’s would have probably come to the top.
Let’s look at his qualifications (1 Sam. 9)
From a rich, influential family; used to politics;
handsome (v2); presentable (you want someone who presents himself well in public); impressive (a head taller than anyone else so people will look up to him); has initiative (lost a donkey and went for answers to the man of God (v6-7). Sounds like a fairly impressive resume!
The next day, after some interaction with Saul, Samuel anointed Saul as king in private and sent him on his way. Samuel reminded Saul that (v1) the Lord had appointed him leader and gave 3 signs to prove that God was upon Saul. All 3 happened as Samuel said - confirming Saul as King.
Shortly thereafter, Samuel called the people together at Mizpah to announce that a king had been chosen. As they all gathered, (1 Sam 10:20f), Samuel first called the tribe of Benjamin forward. Then, he called out the family of the Matrites. Out of them, he called Kish and finally Kish’s son - Saul. But, where was Saul? He’s now about 30 years of age (13:1) but is AWOL. Can you imagine how embarrassing that had to be for Samuel - this announcement of a new king and no king anywhere!!!
After searching for him, they found him (v22) hiding among the luggage. What would you have thought about this choice for a king? Samuel remembered God’s choice and so he said, (v24) "This is the man the Lord had chosen as your king."
Now, king of Israel, Saul, (from a good family, good looking, impressive looking) had some rather unusual behavior. First of all, Saul did not tell his dad that he had been chosen and anointed as king (10:16) by Samuel. Secondly, why would a potential king hide among the luggage? Early on, he demonstrated a sense of insecurity and lack of self-confidence.
So, now the people of Israel had their man, their king. They were like every other nation. But, God didn’t want them to be like every other nation. God had plans for them that included success, prosperity and His power based upon their faith not military might. Joshua’s final speech (Josh 23-24) culminated in a call for commitment by the people to follow God and serve Him alone. God had driven out their enemies and promised to continue to do so, if they followed Him. As time wore on, however, they intermingled with others and lost a sense of the need to follow Jehovah God solely. They adopted the standards and practices of pagan nations. They prostituted themselves and lapsed into unfaithfulness to God. Rebellion and sin against God, followed by regret and repentance had been the pattern all through Judges. Someone had been God’s instrument to help them but it was always God who was in control.
Whenever I review these OLD TESTAMENT passages, I wonder, “Could it be that we haven’t learned much since since 1051 BC?” What was the primary problem of the people in Israel during this time? Was it the need for a military leader to lead them in battle against their enemy, the Philistines? God had promised that as long as they followed Him, He would give victory and defeat their enemies. Now, after God had given them a king, was he everything they had looked & hoped for?
Let’s look briefly at Saul, their new leader, and see if He was the answer to their problems?
Immediately after being announced as king, when Saul returned to his home, he enlisted his cabinet (companions). Problems surfaced immediately since there was not unanimous acceptance of his leadership, and some questioned his leadership ability. Shortly thereafter, while plowing in the field (11:5), he heard of a military threat and took quick and decisive personal action. His incentive for enlistment was quite unorthodox: he cut up an oxen and sent it throughout Israel as a threat to anyone who dared to refuse his "invitation" to sign up and fight with me. That enlistment invitation resulted in 300,000 men.
Saul then planned a pre-dawn, three pronged - surprise attack (11:11) that resulted in almost total annihilation of the enemy. In that single battle, Saul proved himself to be the qualified and capable military leader the people anticipated and needed. So, they expressed their satisfaction with Saul to Samuel and then, wanted to kill anyone who did not agree with Saul’s leadership 100%. Saul stopped them short of that murderous behavior.
Now that Saul had earned his kingship, Samuel decided on a reaffirmation ceremony. The people crowned Him king in a solemn ceremony and “Saul and all the Israelites were very happy.” (11:15)
At 30 years of age (1 Sam 13:1), Saul was a success. Success is powerfully addictive! When someone or something succeeds, people are almost giddy, almost drugged into the joy of the moment! One of today’s drugs of choice - is happiness. "I’m bored" is one of the most common complaints of summer vacation among the students (but not the teachers). How many marriages have ended because one or the other partners is "not happy".
Success is odd - it usually lasts only as long as the last thing you did right. Success also can paralyze people’s minds into a false sense of security and confidence. Sometimes, when you do everything wrong and something good happens, there is a breeding ground for laziness or even pride.
I have a sign in my office given to me by a now-retired pastor that reads:
"When I am right, no one remembers,
When I am wrong, no one forgets."
As I prepared this, I thought of the timeliness of this sermon in our church’s life. We have built this worship center based upon our understanding of God’s vision. Based upon God’s leadership, you called us as your staff ministers. We’ve almost completed the captial fund raising campaign under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Has God given us everything we have sought after? More importantly, is it satisfying?
And, if it is not satisfying, have we looked for reasons that include blaming others?
Would it be more satisfying if we sought better methods from other churches? Do we need more surveys of what the people want? Would it be more satisfying is we had different staff? Or shorten the length of the worship service? Or quit talking about money? Or control the temperature of the worship center? Or be more friendly? Or renovate the nursery? Or.....
In every church, these issues should not be ignored but are probably not the root of problems. One solution to our problems is found in the example of Samuel and Saul. Where is God in the middle of all this? They had lost the full understanding of obedience and commitment to God. The spiritual temperature of the nation of Israel was secondary to their military success. They were more concerned with success than with spiritual faithfulness.
Seeking God was not first. Seeking God was almost an afterthought! Obedience appeared to be optional.
Is your desire success? Do you think that God should give you everything you ask of Him? Could it be that each of us needs to evaluate where we are obedient and disobedient to the Holy Spirit?
Obedience is born out of a heart of love for God and His work.
Saul had outside appearance and authority that accompanies kingship. He lacked the right stuff in his heart, however. He did not live with an "OBEDIENCE TO GOD AT ALL COSTS" mentality.
Saul divided the 3,000 Green Beret forces into 2 prongs (13;2): Jonathan led 1,000; Saul led 2,000. The Philistine force was much larger (3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen and as many warriors as the sand on the sea). While they were waiting for Samuel to arrive, the troops were nervous for the fight and fear was threatening to destroy their unity. (1 Sam. 13:7-15) For 7 days, King Saul waited for Samuel to arrive and offer the sacrifice to Jehovah God so the battle could begin. As Saul watched his troops dwindle in numbers ("desperate circumstances required desperate measures") he took control and took matters into his own hands, usurped the priestly role and offered the sacrifice. While his motive was to unite the army in preparation for war, he had no authority in offering sacrifices. Did God honor his decision to act in accordance with situational ethics?
Just as Saul finished the sacrifice, Samuel arrived. Saul appeared to be confident and excused his disobedience by rationalizing his behavior. He felt he could no longer wait on Samuel. But, God executed judgment on Saul, and took the kingdom out of his hand. Looking for a man after his own heart, God had no need for sacrifices, but was looking for a broken and contrite heart.
Saul’s troops had dwindled to 600 (13:15) and perhaps he felt like he was going to lose all the troops and no one would fight the battle. From 2,000 to 600 is a lot of fall out, but remember what God did with Gideon (32,000 to 300 - followed with victory). Jonathan had a plan that included the Lord (14:6) and resulted in a fight (14:13) with Jonathan and his armor bearer killing Philistines “right and left”. Eventually, the Philistine army was thrown into a panic, Saul joined the fight and the battle was won.
Another example of Saul’s poor judgment was his foolish oath required from his soldiers on the day of battle. They had to promise they would not eat anything before evening or until they won the battle (14:24). On the very day they needed nourishment, they had no physical reserves to draw upon. While the battle appeared important to Saul, his men were of secondary importance. Victory and success were his number 1 priority. Where did God fit in?
Jonathan later accused his father of troubling the land, causing problems for the entire army. Jonathan did not know of his father’s oath until after he had already eaten a piece of the honeycomb, which gave his strength, but the rift had already begun between father and son, also.
When evening came and victory was won, famished, the men went wild, they butchered sheep, cattle and calves without draining the blood. While the men feared the violence of king Saul, they had little or no apparent concern with violating God’s law. God had commanded no meat was to be eaten with the blood in it.
Someone reported this to Saul and he said, “that is very wrong”. He told them to bring the animals to the altar (the first one he ever made) and sacrifice them to God. Saul was more interested in the battle and said, “let’s go..chase the Philistines all night and kill every last one of them.” Saul told the people of his plan before they ever prayed about it. No one sought what God’s will was.
Instead of Saul being the first to say, "let’s ask God", Saul acted first. The priest said, “let’s ask God first.” So, Saul did agree, but his choices were FEW and NONE - either go along and save face or go against the priest.
Saul had difficulty waiting on God. Saul was usually impulsive. Because God didn’t answer, he immediately wanted to know what sin was committed that day. Another problem was that he was quick to find fault with others and slow to find fault with himself.
Saul called all the leaders together and separated himself and Jonathan. Saul prayed for God to point out the guilty party. The lot fell to Jonathan. Now, a public confrontation between father and son happened as a result of Saul’s impulsiveness. Saul threatened execution for his son because he ate honey during the day of the battle. Only as a result of the public outcry and potentially mutinous army, was Jonathan’s life spared. Saul then tucked his tail, stopped chasing the Philistines and went home, for now.
What application to our lives can we glean from Saul?
1. When problem seem insurmountable, use your head but don’t depend upon your wisdom - seek God. Remember "Spiritual problems require spiritual solutions."
2. Remember to seek God first - not as a last resort! Don’t do all you can and then turn to God. Turn to Him first. A slogan on a church sign read "Faith is trusting God with the problems you can’t handle" is NOT TRUE. Faith is trusting God with everything.
3. Always remember true success comes from God and not us- God should always get the credit!!!!!
4. Fear will cause you to act irrationally. Fear can cause you to lose sight of God’s leadership or your faith commitment.
5. We are commanded to WAIT on God.
6. We are a THEOCRACY - not a DEMOCRACY! There is no 1 person with all the answers or is the cause of all the problems. This is Jesus’ church. We must seek HIM for answers and guard against deciding what is best!
7. Following God means following His word - following Him sometimes means GO… but it may also mean WAIT….
Saul - lessons from His life…. what has God said to you tonight?
