This Sunday, we continue our series in the book of 1st Samuel, looking at the narrative, dramatic story of chapter 11. In this text we see the city of Jabesh-Gilead in eastern Israel in trouble militarily. This is Saul’s, the first king of Israel, first move and act as king. With the Lord’s help, and the Holy Spirit coming upon him; he responds fiercely and has a great military victory with all Israel helping Jabesh-Gilead. So is God now blessing the Israelites with their new king? Did they not reject the LORD in demanding a king? Or is this a picture of an important principle: just because things are good does not mean God is blessing. And also picture of God’s magnificent grace?
This Sunday, I want to show you 3 examples of how God mercy and grace was upon Saul and the people at this time, in this victory. But it does not mean that Saul will not still be used as an instrument of punishment. This passage also gives a challenge to us today to make sure that we are faithful, never giving up, because God does not give up on us. If we wander from the Lord, it is because we choose to do so.
In our scripture reading, Romans 6:11-23, we see God’s grace to us in freeing us from sin and that we will and should live free in victory over that sin because of Christ. The same way Israel needed to respond to God’s great power in His giving them the victory and how He would have continued to do so if they would just live for Him. What can we learn about Saul’s powerful victory and his initial strong leadership with the help of the Holy Spirit? What can we learn about God’s grace in your life to give you victory over sin? We’ll talk about this and much more this Sunday morning!
See you then,
Pastor Weaver
0 Comments