Happy Tuesday to all! This is Michele with you this morning and we are focusing on 1 Samuel 13 today. Please read it with me. It's a great chapter. I feel it's very relevant to my life and the lives of those I love. I bet God will speak to your heart, as well, as you read and ponder what he has to say.
Here is what jumped out at me:
The men of Isreal saw what a tight spot they were in; and because they were hard pressed by the enemy, they tried to hide in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and cisterns. Some of them crossed the Jordan River and escaped into the land of Gad and Gilead. (v. 6-7)
Why would the Isrealites try to hide? They had just destroyed a bunch of Phillistines. Wouldn't they feel powerful and indestructible? They probably did until the Phillistine army grew to be much bigger than they had ever imagined it would (v. 5). They became terrified of this enormous army of men and decided to hide instead of continue on. Sounds kind of familiar to me! When I become afraid my initial reaction is to run and hide from what seems too big for me to handle. I forget that you have my back, God. Help us not to run when life gets real hard and we can't see our way out of our current circumstances. When we focus on what seems insurmountable we become panic stricken but when we focus on your supernatural power we can continue on with a sense of peace.
Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn't come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. So he demanded, "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!" And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself. (v. 8-9)
Another common reaction to what seems overwhelming is to take the situation into our own hands. God, sometimes we pretend we are like you because we don't feel like you're doing anything for us. We think we know what's best and forget our place below you. Often times I struggle in determining the fine line between taking appropriate action and waiting upon you. Saul, too. He decided to do the job that only a priest was allowed to do because he got tired of waiting. Not only did he take matters into his own hands, he disobeyed you in the process. Oh Lord, give us the courage to wait upon you and only take action when we know you've called us to. I/we don't want to be disobedient, we just need your help.
Samuel then left Gilgal and went on his way, but the rest of the troops went with Saul to meet the army. They went up from Gilgal to Gibeah in the land of Benjamin. When Saul counted the men who were still with him, he found only 600 where left!....There were no blacksmiths in the land of Isreal in those days. The Phillistines wouldn't allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews. (v. 15, 19)
Uh oh! It seems to have gone from bad to worse. Only a small number of men left and they had no weapons. So like life sometimes. God, you allow us to experience trials and there are times when it all seems like too much. One thing after another and we have no idea why you would sit back and watch us suffer loss and hurt and so many hurdles in this life.
Maybe you allow us to be in a position of total vulnerability so we truly realize that you are our only source of strength!
Please share your comments with us. It's all about growing together and sharing life with one another. Don't hesitate, we really want to know how God is speaking to you, as well. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Pigheadedness and Punishment
Hello everybody! It is a beautiful, sunny day and God's love is clearly shining here in His world! The chapter for today's thought is 1 Samuel 12. Isn't it great to stop everything for just a few minutes and take time to read and learn from the inspired Scripture? This is Katrinka writing today. It is always an honor to be asked to add some thoughts to the study. May the Lord bless us as we try to gain something from today's reading that will encourage and strengthen us. Please open your Bible and first read the chapter thoughtfully.
Here I see an interesting insight into the character and actions of the great prophet Samuel. He challenges anyone in the nation to bring charges against his integrity or honesty. The people admit readily: "You have not taken anything from anyone's hand" (v. 4). That is exactly what should be able to be said about anyone teaching others the Word of God. To teach one thing and live another is a great sin in the sight of both God and man. Samuel is innocent and proceeds to plainly let the people of Israel know of their sins and rebellious ways against God. He is speaking so directly to the point that, after a graphic demonstration of thunder and lightening and rain which destroys their entire wheat crop, the people cry our in worry and fear: "Pray to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die,..." (v. 19).
It is good for us to also be reminded that we all sin and make mistakes in God's sight. We do that because we are human. Otherwise it would not have been necessary for Jesus to come into this world and be sacrificed as the Lamb of God for our sins. When I read this chapter it jumps out at me that here was another example of how God is both a God of justice and of mercy. How blessed we are to have a Great God who shows mercy and patience with us!
Here I see an interesting insight into the character and actions of the great prophet Samuel. He challenges anyone in the nation to bring charges against his integrity or honesty. The people admit readily: "You have not taken anything from anyone's hand" (v. 4). That is exactly what should be able to be said about anyone teaching others the Word of God. To teach one thing and live another is a great sin in the sight of both God and man. Samuel is innocent and proceeds to plainly let the people of Israel know of their sins and rebellious ways against God. He is speaking so directly to the point that, after a graphic demonstration of thunder and lightening and rain which destroys their entire wheat crop, the people cry our in worry and fear: "Pray to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die,..." (v. 19).
It is good for us to also be reminded that we all sin and make mistakes in God's sight. We do that because we are human. Otherwise it would not have been necessary for Jesus to come into this world and be sacrificed as the Lamb of God for our sins. When I read this chapter it jumps out at me that here was another example of how God is both a God of justice and of mercy. How blessed we are to have a Great God who shows mercy and patience with us!
"Do not be afraid, . . .
For the sake of his great name
the Lord will not reject his people,
because the Lord was pleased
to make you his own" (vv. 21-22).
No matter how messed up we can make our lives, our Father in Heaven still wants us to be His. We can relate a little bit to this when we think of how we deal with our own children. We love them dearly, but there are times when we cannot ignore them when they flagrantly disobey and disrespect us. We have to give some measure of discipline. That can make us feel uncertain and guilty sometimes. We don't want to hurt the child, and yet, we know for sure that we must not just let that behavior go unpunished. That would only lead to more flagrant disobedience and less and less respect for authority. That actually brings great harm to a child! So it is with God our Father. It is because he loves us and wants a continuing relationship with us that at times He brings about serious repurcussions for our sinful actions.
How deeply appreciative and grateful I am that God is patient with me even when I am strong-headed and stubborn! Looking back on life I think all of us can say that at times we definitely acted out of rebellion in order to get something we wanted. Later, after it is all said and done, we often say, "If I had only known...." I guess it will always be true that "hindsight is better than foresight." But that is not the end of the matter. Here in this chapter Samuel ends by sternly reminding the people:
"But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully
with all your heart; consider what great things
he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, ...
you will be swept away."(v. 24).
Dear merciful Father, thank you for sending Jesus to make it possible for us to be washed clean from the sins we have done and continue to do throughout our lives. We are really foolish in our thinking so many times! Please give us wisdom and an upright and honest heart before You. We love you, our Father, and we thank you, our Jesus!" In His name we pray this prayer, Amen.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Courageous Cowards
Welcome to today's conversation with God! Join me in 1 Samuel 11. If you've ever lacked the courage to step up and do what needed to be done, whether it was apologizing for something, confronting someone, or tackling a big new venture, this text inspires hope.
What God is revealing to me here is the change he brought in Saul. Remember, yesterday we saw how Saul hid in the baggage at his coronation ceremony, trying to avoid the responsibility of becoming king. He was tall but he was also a coward. No wonder some of the people didn't believe in him as a leader! But this turn of events jumps out at me, as Saul hears about a national threat and is dismayed by the spineless response of the populace:
When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they turned out as one man. (v. 6-7)
How about that? The coward becomes courageous! The shy, timid guy who ran from the spotlight turns out to be a dynamic, effective leader after all! How does that happen? The Spirit of the Lord filled him. He went from thinking only of his own best interests to thinking of God's interests. Something had been going on in Saul's head as he had been out plowing his father's fields, apparently. He had been considering the amazing reality that God wanted to use a guy like him. And when the challenge presented itself with the news flash, something switched on inside Saul's heart. He had let God in, and God went to work.
God, you can turn cowards into men and women of courage. You can make great leaders out of timid souls. Your Holy Spirit is the source of tremendous strength and boldness to step up and respond to the need at hand. No fear can stand up to the courage you infuse us with when we are filled with your Spirit. So please, fill us. Fill me. Help me to inspire courage in the people around me, starting with my own children and my loved ones. Amen.
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What God is revealing to me here is the change he brought in Saul. Remember, yesterday we saw how Saul hid in the baggage at his coronation ceremony, trying to avoid the responsibility of becoming king. He was tall but he was also a coward. No wonder some of the people didn't believe in him as a leader! But this turn of events jumps out at me, as Saul hears about a national threat and is dismayed by the spineless response of the populace:
When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they turned out as one man. (v. 6-7)
How about that? The coward becomes courageous! The shy, timid guy who ran from the spotlight turns out to be a dynamic, effective leader after all! How does that happen? The Spirit of the Lord filled him. He went from thinking only of his own best interests to thinking of God's interests. Something had been going on in Saul's head as he had been out plowing his father's fields, apparently. He had been considering the amazing reality that God wanted to use a guy like him. And when the challenge presented itself with the news flash, something switched on inside Saul's heart. He had let God in, and God went to work.
God, you can turn cowards into men and women of courage. You can make great leaders out of timid souls. Your Holy Spirit is the source of tremendous strength and boldness to step up and respond to the need at hand. No fear can stand up to the courage you infuse us with when we are filled with your Spirit. So please, fill us. Fill me. Help me to inspire courage in the people around me, starting with my own children and my loved ones. Amen.
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Good Posture
Top of the day to you! I pray God's best for your life. If I have learned one thing in mine it's that the way we posture ourselves before God is the primary catalyst that determines the course and satisfaction level of our lives. Today's conversation with God reinforces that truth to me and makes me think about my current posture. With that in mind, why don't you join me in reading 1 Samuel 10:17-27? Is the Spirit of God impressing something on you here?
I see in this short text three different postures that people took before God. First, I see that the nation as a whole wasn't in a good place with God.
But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, "No, set a king over us." (v. 19)
God had been there for them through amazing times when he powerfully brought them through the worst of situations and delivered them from slavery and brought them into the promised land. But they had gotten over their gratitude and had become demanding of God. Now they see it as his job to give them what they want. God, I'm sure I've been there myself before. I've insisted that I knew what was best for me and expected you to deliver. Forgive me for my foolishness and pride in those moments.
Second, I can't help but laugh when I read this about Saul:
Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found.... And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage." (v. 21-22)
God is calling Saul to take this role of immense honor and responsibility leading his people, and Saul is hunkering down behind the suitcases hoping no one will find him! He's in a posture of hiding from God, trying to avoid answering God's call to service. Maybe that's where you are right now. Taking on his assignments can be scary. Maybe you want to escape the call and take the easier path of letting someone else step up. It's a posture people take when their eyes are on themselves and not on God. It's a posture that holds people back from what might be some of the most meaningful experiences of God they've ever had.
Third, I'm impressed by where Samuel is with God.
Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah and said to them, "This is what the LORD the God of Israel, says...." Samuel explained to the people the regulations of the kingship. (v. 17, 25)
Samuel is the only one in the story whose heart is actually submitted to God. He's in a posture of obeying God. He doesn't like the fact that the people are demanding a human king. It angers him. But because God has told him to go ahead and anoint one, he is carrying out what he knows God wants him to do. That's a really good place to be. That's what it means to love God and live by faith. God, I will by your grace trust you and obey you as I posture myself before you with a submitted heart and life. Amen.
As the rest of the story unfolds in 1 Samuel, we'll see where the posture of the people and Saul got them. And we'll see the honor that God brought to Samuel because of his posture. I can be demanding of God, or I can hide from God, or I can obey God. Three different postures. Three very different outcomes.
I hope you receive the blessing of this post and share it with others on Facebook! Click the "f" icon below. And please build us up by sharing your own impressions and experiences in the Comments section (but sign in first at the top right of the page unless you want to comment as "Anonymous"). Peace.
I see in this short text three different postures that people took before God. First, I see that the nation as a whole wasn't in a good place with God.
But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, "No, set a king over us." (v. 19)
God had been there for them through amazing times when he powerfully brought them through the worst of situations and delivered them from slavery and brought them into the promised land. But they had gotten over their gratitude and had become demanding of God. Now they see it as his job to give them what they want. God, I'm sure I've been there myself before. I've insisted that I knew what was best for me and expected you to deliver. Forgive me for my foolishness and pride in those moments.
Second, I can't help but laugh when I read this about Saul:
Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found.... And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage." (v. 21-22)
God is calling Saul to take this role of immense honor and responsibility leading his people, and Saul is hunkering down behind the suitcases hoping no one will find him! He's in a posture of hiding from God, trying to avoid answering God's call to service. Maybe that's where you are right now. Taking on his assignments can be scary. Maybe you want to escape the call and take the easier path of letting someone else step up. It's a posture people take when their eyes are on themselves and not on God. It's a posture that holds people back from what might be some of the most meaningful experiences of God they've ever had.
Third, I'm impressed by where Samuel is with God.
Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah and said to them, "This is what the LORD the God of Israel, says...." Samuel explained to the people the regulations of the kingship. (v. 17, 25)
Samuel is the only one in the story whose heart is actually submitted to God. He's in a posture of obeying God. He doesn't like the fact that the people are demanding a human king. It angers him. But because God has told him to go ahead and anoint one, he is carrying out what he knows God wants him to do. That's a really good place to be. That's what it means to love God and live by faith. God, I will by your grace trust you and obey you as I posture myself before you with a submitted heart and life. Amen.
As the rest of the story unfolds in 1 Samuel, we'll see where the posture of the people and Saul got them. And we'll see the honor that God brought to Samuel because of his posture. I can be demanding of God, or I can hide from God, or I can obey God. Three different postures. Three very different outcomes.
I hope you receive the blessing of this post and share it with others on Facebook! Click the "f" icon below. And please build us up by sharing your own impressions and experiences in the Comments section (but sign in first at the top right of the page unless you want to comment as "Anonymous"). Peace.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Would They Believe I'm a Christian?
Good evening to all of you from Michele here in chilly Illinois! It's a bit warmer than it's been but not near as warm as it is in Texas. That's for sure! Tonight we will be reading from 1 Samuel 10:1-16. Are you ready to hear from God? I sure am. Read it more than once if you need to. This is what I'm hearing God say as I read:
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy. When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, "What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet?" (v. 10-11)
Why were Saul's acquaintances so surprised that he would be prophesying? Was that not typical behavior for Saul? If you remember back in chapter 9, Saul tried to get out of what Samuel was telling him he had been called by God to do. He said he was from the least important clan. He tried all kinds of tactics to get out of the responsibility that he sensed God was trying to give him. It seems as if he was a selfish man who pretty much kept his focus on himself.
But then, Samuel anointed Saul and informed him of God's calling in 10:1. How awesome that our Lord doesn't always pick the cream of the crop to do his mighty work (see Chris' post from yesterday). I bet Saul was pretty shocked himself to become the ruler over Isreal. After all he had just been searching for some lost donkeys, not seeking to do anything for God.
The verses highlighted above show that others couldn't believe that someone like Saul would be prophesying. It's one thing to personally be surprised that God has called you to something so big, but then to have others question whether it could possibly be true. The thought crossed my mind that there are many people who may know me on a surface level but may not know that I'm a Christian. Would they be shocked if they discovered my love for God? I think about the times when my focus is on myself. When I don't set a godly example for others in the way I do my work or the way I interact with someone who may irritate me. There is always someone watching. Maybe an unbeliever who needs to see Jesus in this world. Maybe a hurting soul who needs someone to invest time in them. Maybe someone who believes that Christians are just like everybody else. I need to always be conscientious of my behavior. I hope that others don't say of me, "Is even Michele a christian?"
Lord, I want to have an attitude of praise at all times. I always want to remember that others are watching me and seeing my actions and my reactions to the things of this world. Please shape my attitude to be more like you as I live out my days on earth. Please send me on the mission that you planned for me since before my birth and give me an obedient heart to follow you. Amen.
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy. When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, "What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet?" (v. 10-11)
Why were Saul's acquaintances so surprised that he would be prophesying? Was that not typical behavior for Saul? If you remember back in chapter 9, Saul tried to get out of what Samuel was telling him he had been called by God to do. He said he was from the least important clan. He tried all kinds of tactics to get out of the responsibility that he sensed God was trying to give him. It seems as if he was a selfish man who pretty much kept his focus on himself.
But then, Samuel anointed Saul and informed him of God's calling in 10:1. How awesome that our Lord doesn't always pick the cream of the crop to do his mighty work (see Chris' post from yesterday). I bet Saul was pretty shocked himself to become the ruler over Isreal. After all he had just been searching for some lost donkeys, not seeking to do anything for God.
The verses highlighted above show that others couldn't believe that someone like Saul would be prophesying. It's one thing to personally be surprised that God has called you to something so big, but then to have others question whether it could possibly be true. The thought crossed my mind that there are many people who may know me on a surface level but may not know that I'm a Christian. Would they be shocked if they discovered my love for God? I think about the times when my focus is on myself. When I don't set a godly example for others in the way I do my work or the way I interact with someone who may irritate me. There is always someone watching. Maybe an unbeliever who needs to see Jesus in this world. Maybe a hurting soul who needs someone to invest time in them. Maybe someone who believes that Christians are just like everybody else. I need to always be conscientious of my behavior. I hope that others don't say of me, "Is even Michele a christian?"
Lord, I want to have an attitude of praise at all times. I always want to remember that others are watching me and seeing my actions and my reactions to the things of this world. Please shape my attitude to be more like you as I live out my days on earth. Please send me on the mission that you planned for me since before my birth and give me an obedient heart to follow you. Amen.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Upgrade Your Life Mission
Listening to God through narrative portions of Scripture requires some different skills than other genres of literature. But I always find so much there framed in the context of somebody's real life. Our conversation continues in 1 Samuel chapter 9. Let's take it in and see what God may show us!
When I think about what I'm going to accomplish with my life, what big projects I may take on, the impact I'm going to have on my world, I sometimes feel pretty small and insignificant. What can I do? And considering where I am and the small things I'm involved in presently, doing something big and having a significant impact can seem pretty out of reach.
As I read this text, I am guessing that young Saul might have felt the same way. His dad has sent him out of the house to go look for the family's missing donkeys with a few of the servants. Some important assignment, huh? So Saul is out there wandering all over the countryside for several days on this dusty excursion. Was this all there was for him to do in life? Was he ever going to get to do something really important, or was he always going to be stuck with the mules?
But by God's purpose and design, Saul's unremarkable quest takes him to a town where Samuel the prophet/priest/judge happens to be making a special appearance. And the text explains:
Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people form the hand of the Philistines.... When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, "This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people." (v. 15-17)
How's that for an upgraded life-assignment? It goes to show, you never know what God might have in mind for you to do in the future! And he knows right where to find you and me when the timing is right. He found Saul out there in the middle of nowhere chasing runaway donkeys!
...Which leads me to the question: What if Saul had thought himself above searching for his dad's wandering livestock and refused? He might have missed out on the surprising appointment God had for him. That's a good reminder to me: Keep fulfilling whatever responsibilities you have now. Be faithful in the unremarkable things and God may choose to promote you to something more challenging and fulfilling later (See what Jesus said in Luke 19:17.)
God, I will trust you with my future. I want my life to mean something more than just keeping comfortable. I want to do great things for you! Thank you for reminding me not to overlook the small things. Amen.
I hope you've been encouraged by this post. If so, encourage someone else by sharing this post on Facebook! (Click the "f" icon below.) Thanks so much for your feedback! To comment, sign in first at the top right of the page, or choose "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" field menu. God's peace to you.
When I think about what I'm going to accomplish with my life, what big projects I may take on, the impact I'm going to have on my world, I sometimes feel pretty small and insignificant. What can I do? And considering where I am and the small things I'm involved in presently, doing something big and having a significant impact can seem pretty out of reach.
As I read this text, I am guessing that young Saul might have felt the same way. His dad has sent him out of the house to go look for the family's missing donkeys with a few of the servants. Some important assignment, huh? So Saul is out there wandering all over the countryside for several days on this dusty excursion. Was this all there was for him to do in life? Was he ever going to get to do something really important, or was he always going to be stuck with the mules?
But by God's purpose and design, Saul's unremarkable quest takes him to a town where Samuel the prophet/priest/judge happens to be making a special appearance. And the text explains:
Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people form the hand of the Philistines.... When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, "This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people." (v. 15-17)
How's that for an upgraded life-assignment? It goes to show, you never know what God might have in mind for you to do in the future! And he knows right where to find you and me when the timing is right. He found Saul out there in the middle of nowhere chasing runaway donkeys!
...Which leads me to the question: What if Saul had thought himself above searching for his dad's wandering livestock and refused? He might have missed out on the surprising appointment God had for him. That's a good reminder to me: Keep fulfilling whatever responsibilities you have now. Be faithful in the unremarkable things and God may choose to promote you to something more challenging and fulfilling later (See what Jesus said in Luke 19:17.)
God, I will trust you with my future. I want my life to mean something more than just keeping comfortable. I want to do great things for you! Thank you for reminding me not to overlook the small things. Amen.
I hope you've been encouraged by this post. If so, encourage someone else by sharing this post on Facebook! (Click the "f" icon below.) Thanks so much for your feedback! To comment, sign in first at the top right of the page, or choose "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" field menu. God's peace to you.
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Best Teacher
As we head into the weekend, it's a great time to get a word from God. Reading from 1 Samuel chapter 8, it's got me thinking about the importance of choices. My life is largely the sum total of my choices. Speaking of that, it would be a great choice to read the chapter yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through it!
One thing that I love about you, God, is that you give us the awesome gift of freedom. Because you love us you allow us to choose. And as we make choices, we become participants with you in shaping the future! As I read this, I see you allowing your covenant people Israel to make their choice to appoint a king. You knew that a human king was not exactly in their best interest. After all, you were their King. And you alone know how to wield that level of power with complete integrity, justness and wisdom. And you warned your people where the path they wanted to take would lead. Yet you still allowed them to make their choice, even when they refused to listen and chose poorly. I love that about you, God.
I've got choices to make myself. I'm so thankful to have the freedom to choose! Yet I realize that I don't have the freedom to choose the consequences of my choices. As soon as I make a choice I become accountable for its repercussions. The statement that really sticks out to me as I contemplate this text is this:
When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day. (v. 18)
Come to think of it, I can recall too many occasions on which I have begged for relief from the consequences of my own choices. It's funny how certain things, relationships, experiences that we want so badly can turn so nightmarish once attained. The verse of Scripture above sounds a little harsh, but what God is saying is simply that he will let us choose and he will also let us learn from the effects of our choices. It's not that God won't ever step in and help turn things back around for us, but it's generally not "in that day" that we first realize what a mistake we've made. God clearly knows the educational value of natural consequences. By experience, so do I.
As a dad, in spite of my protective instincts, I don't want to be in the habit of always jumping in and saving my kids from the natural consequences of their choices. They will learn a lot more from their mistakes than my lectures. And better that they learn that choices have consequences while they're young and the consequences aren't so severe and long-term as they will become in adulthood. As long as they aren't putting themselves or others in danger, there's nothing like the sting of their own mistakes to teach them not to repeat them. God, please give me, my kids and all of us wisdom to make the best choices!
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One thing that I love about you, God, is that you give us the awesome gift of freedom. Because you love us you allow us to choose. And as we make choices, we become participants with you in shaping the future! As I read this, I see you allowing your covenant people Israel to make their choice to appoint a king. You knew that a human king was not exactly in their best interest. After all, you were their King. And you alone know how to wield that level of power with complete integrity, justness and wisdom. And you warned your people where the path they wanted to take would lead. Yet you still allowed them to make their choice, even when they refused to listen and chose poorly. I love that about you, God.
I've got choices to make myself. I'm so thankful to have the freedom to choose! Yet I realize that I don't have the freedom to choose the consequences of my choices. As soon as I make a choice I become accountable for its repercussions. The statement that really sticks out to me as I contemplate this text is this:
When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day. (v. 18)
Come to think of it, I can recall too many occasions on which I have begged for relief from the consequences of my own choices. It's funny how certain things, relationships, experiences that we want so badly can turn so nightmarish once attained. The verse of Scripture above sounds a little harsh, but what God is saying is simply that he will let us choose and he will also let us learn from the effects of our choices. It's not that God won't ever step in and help turn things back around for us, but it's generally not "in that day" that we first realize what a mistake we've made. God clearly knows the educational value of natural consequences. By experience, so do I.
As a dad, in spite of my protective instincts, I don't want to be in the habit of always jumping in and saving my kids from the natural consequences of their choices. They will learn a lot more from their mistakes than my lectures. And better that they learn that choices have consequences while they're young and the consequences aren't so severe and long-term as they will become in adulthood. As long as they aren't putting themselves or others in danger, there's nothing like the sting of their own mistakes to teach them not to repeat them. God, please give me, my kids and all of us wisdom to make the best choices!
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