pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Saul


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All of the Glory

Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17

1st Timothy 1:13 – “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.”

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

Paul, as Saul, was one of those anti-Christian people. As he recollects in the first part of verse 13, he used to speak against Jesus and used to attack Jesus’ “people.” Saul was proud of his religion – Judaism. Connecting to yesterday’s idea of “practical atheists,” this is how the early Christians would have seen Saul. He did not understand or even accept Jesus. Saul’s actions and words strongly opposed Christ and his disciples.

Then Saul had his “come to Jesus” moment. In his words, “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.” Christ changed his heart. Looking back on his past life as a Pharisee, Paul now sees himself then as “the biggest sinner of all.” This view is from Paul’s new understanding of what faithful living is. He recognized how Jesus came, lived, and died both to set and example of how to live a faithful and righteous life and to save people from their sins. Christ’s “endless patience” was demonstrated in Paul’s life and conversion. Now he lives to be an example of Christ so that others will come to believe in Jesus.

Paul is very grateful that Jesus saved him. This is what leads Paul to offer these words of praise: “honor and glory to him forever.” The gift of relationship that Paul now knows, the gift that that leads to eternal life, is offered to all people. To the Saul’s of the world and to the practical atheists – even those inside of us at times – Jesus Christ still offers new life. As disciples of Jesus Christ, may we bear witness as Paul did, bringing the Lord our God all of the glory.

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk in relationship with you, work in our hearts so that we live in ways that bring you glory and honor. Use us as conduits of grace and mercy, opening others to the possibility of new and eternal life. Amen.


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Saul’s and Cyrus’s

Reading: Isaiah 45:1-7

Isaiah 45:4 – “For the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen, I called you by name.”

As I read today’s passage, I wondered: How many other Saul’s were there? We know about Saul because of his conversion experience and subsequent missionary work that spread faith in Christ far and wide. But how many other overly zealous Pharisees did God use to drive the church outward from Jerusalem?

In today’s text God speaks to Cyrus, the pagan king of Persia. God speaks to Cyrus near the end of God’s people’s time in exile. Israel had first been defeated and dispersed throughout the Babylonian empire. Judah fell to and we’re dispersed into the Persian empire. Cyrus is the third Persian king during Judah’s exile. In verse 1 God addresses Cyrus as “his anointed.” This word translates to “Messiah” in Hebrew and to “Christ” in Greek. God then tells Cyrus that God will “go before you” and will “level mountains” (kingdoms) and will give him “hidden treasures of great riches.” God will greatly bless Cyrus in many ways. But, why? Why not raise up another Moses-type figure?

God’s first purpose is “so you will know that I am the Lord.” Cyrus won’t necessarily come to believe in God but through this experience will certainly know God’s power and presence. The second purpose is revealed in verse 4: “For the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen, I called you by name.” In about 539 BCE Cyrus will defeat Babylon and issue the edict that allows the Jews to return home and to rebuild Jerusalem, the temple… Cyrus and the world will know “that there is nothing apart from me.” All is under God’s control. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone truly rule over all the earth. No one and nothing is outside of your power and presence. Today I thank you for the Saul’s and Cyrus’s – known and unknown to me – that you have used to shape and form me and my faith. Amen.


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Fully Trusting in the Lord

Reading: 1st Samuel 17:32-37

1st Samuel 17:37 – “The Lord who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears will rescue me from the power of this Philistine.”

During Saul’s reign as King of Israel, the Philistines and Israelites assembled for battle. The two armies gathered on hills opposite each other with a valley in between. A champion from Gath came out on day one to challenge the Israelites. He was huge, fierce, and strong. Early in chapter 17 Goliath is described in powerful detail: really tall, armor weighing 125 pounds, a spear with a shaft strong as the bar on a weaver’s loom. Each day for forty days Goliath would stride down into the valley and challenge Israel to send out a champion to face him man to man. Saul and the Israelites “were distressed and terrified.” Great fear surrounded Goliath and his challenge.

Sent by his father to bring food to his three older brothers and to gather news of the battle, David hears Goliath’s challenge. Instead of feeling fear, David is upset that this Philistine is “insulting the army of the living God.” The young shepherd boy knows none of the fear that has been immobilizing Israel’s king and army. Filled with God’s presence, David declares, “I, your servant, will go out and fight him!” Saul protests, noting David’s youth. Undeterred, David says to Saul, “The Lord who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears will rescue me from the power of this Philistine.” David trusts in the Lord. He will fight Goliath. With the Lord, David will be victorious.

As we remember this well-known and beloved story, we ask ourselves: What ‘Goliath’ currently has us bound up in fear? Is it the situation in our world? Is it a difficulty at work? Is it a health issue? Is it something else? No matter what it is, no matter how big it feels, God is bigger and is totally capable of leading us to victory. May we, like the shepherd boy, fully trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many different ‘giants’ that we face. Often it is fear that grips us too. In those moments, whisper your love and your power into our hearts. With your presence and assurance, guide us to surrender our fears, worries, challenges… to you, trusting in you alone for the victory. Amen.


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Strengthen the Church

Reading: Acts 8 and 9

Acts 9:15 – “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.”

Following Stephen’s stoning persecution ramps up. Saul began to “wreak havoc” against the early church. Many fled Jerusalem, spreading out, preaching the good news “along the way.” Philip was one of these. He went to Samaria. His preaching and the signs and healings he offered led to belief and baptisms. News of his ministry leads the church in Jerusalem to send Peter and John to Samaria. They prayed for the gift of the Spirit, laid hands on the new believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. As Peter and John return to Jerusalem, they too preach “along the way.” In the early church the practice of sharing the faith was a 24/7 kind of thing. It was just something you did naturally. This should be how we live each day too!

Philip is then sent down a desert road (what?!) where he meets an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. The eunuch has been in Jerusalem to worship God, but his physical condition would’ve limited his participation. Philip rides along with him, interpreting the passage, using it to teach him about Jesus. Coming to some water, the eunuch asks about baptism. Philip welcomes the opportunity to fully include him, baptizing the eunuch. The Spirit then takes Philip to Azotus where he… preaches the good news of Jesus Christ!

Chapter 9 begins with Saul’s “Damascus road” experience. Confronted and struck blind by the risen Jesus, Saul is then healed by Ananias. He had protested going to Saul, but the Lord told him, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.” As the chapter unfolds, Saul preaches the good news. This leads to the persecutor becoming the persecuted.

Our reading closes with Peter’s continuing ministry. He heals Aeneas in Lydda and then Tabitha in Joppa. Both of these signs are in Gentile areas and many come to put their faith in the Lord. There is a time of peace for the church and God continues to strengthen the church. May it continue to be so in our time.

Prayer: Lord God, in ways big and small, in ways loud and quiet, you continue to work to change hearts and lives. Your Spirit ever leads and guides. Help us to draw upon the same Holy Spirit power to continue your work in the world. Amen.


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One Priority

Reading: Acts 5:17-7:60 (8:1a)

Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than humans!”

Jealousy and anger drive one side of the tensions found in today’s reading. The Holy Spirit drives the other side. One side is fully in alignment with God’s will and ways. One side focuses on worldly things.

Jealousy leads the Jewish leaders to arrest the apostles. An angel comes and frees them in the night, instructing them to keep teaching in Jesus’ name. Found and brought before the Jerusalem Council, Peter and the other apostles state, “We must obey God rather than humans!” A wise council member suggests patience. Gamaliel suggests that if this new movement is of human origins, ultimately it will fail. But if it is of God, then they will actually find themselves fighting God. The apostles are beaten and released, warned again not to teach in Jesus’ name. After rejoicing because they were counted worthy of suffering for Jesus’ name, they resume preaching and teaching.

After reading about the apostles working through an administrative issue with an administrative solution, we read the story of Stephen. He stood out among the believers because of the way that God’s grace and power was with him. Again jealousy stirs up tension and then false accusations. Stephen’s response is a history lesson that focuses in on Israel’s rejection of Moses, the Law, and all of the prophets, including Jesus. The council members are enraged. As he’s condemned Stephen has a vision of Jesus standing at God’s right side in heaven.

Furious, the council members drag Stephen out of the city and stone him as Saul oversees and approves. As he is being stoned, Stephen asks God to accept his life and he asks for God to forgive his attackers. These statements parallel Jesus’ words from the cross in Luke’s Gospel. Here we again see steadfast faith built upon love, grace, and mercy. May our lives also exhibit all of these, bringing glory to God in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: Lord God, filled with the Holy Spirit the early apostles lived out their faith boldly, unafraid, and with passion. All that the world could do to them was counted as trivial, unimportant. All that mattered was faith in Jesus’ name. Proclaiming their faith to the world was their one priority in life. May it be so for us too, O Lord. Make it so. Amen.


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Truths and Promises

Readings: Psalms 57-59

‭Psalm 58:11 – “Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! Yes, there is a God who judges people on the earth.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

Psalms 57-59 are attributed to David, continuing the run that began with Psalm 51. All three of today’s Psalms contain the phrase “Do not destroy.” in the superscript. Psalms 57 and 59 identify Saul as the cause of the oppression and threats that David faced in these Psalms. In all three Psalms we find a confidence in God and in God’s sense of justice and righteousness. In the end, David trusts these will prevail.

The setting for Psalm 57 is when David fled from Saul, hiding out in the caves in the wilderness. David first seeks mercy and refuge “until destruction passes by.” His desire is to safely ride out this present trial. He is in “the middle of a pack of lions” – a great visual for being surrounded by Saul and his army. Verse 6 perhaps refers to when David cut off the corner of Saul’s robe, sparing his life (1st Samuel 24.) The Psalm closes with an “unwavering heart” that gives God thanks for God’s faithful love that saw David through this trial.

We return to the David-Saul conflict in Psalm 59. David cries out for deliverance from “enemies… evildoers… the bloodthirsty.” They lie in ambush outside of David’s house, waiting to attack. David’s response: “Get up when I cry out to you!” Come and act, God! But David does not wish for their deaths. He wants God to deal with them but also to leave them alive so that they can serve as examples for other traitors. The Psalm closes with singing and shouts of praise to God his shelter and stronghold when David was distraught. This God is our God too. So may we too stand on these truths and promises in our times of trial.

Prayer: Lord God, your faithful love always surrounds us. In the midst of the trial we can forget that you are all around us. Help us to remember that you hedge us in and form a wall of protection around us. Be our strength and stronghold. Be our refuge and fortress. From there, guide us to proclaim your faithful love to all. Amen.


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Israel Was Joyful

Readings: 1st Chronicles 10, 1st Chronicles 11, 1st Chronicles 12

1st Chronicles 12:38 – “All these men of war, armed for battle, came to Hebron determined to make David king over all Israel.”

Our reading begins with the deaths of Saul and his three sons. This is the end of his reign. They die ingloriously in a battle with the Philistines, who dishonor the dead. Some brave warriors from Jabesh-gilead recover and bury their bodies in Jabesh.

The chronicler then turns to the story of David’s kingship. It begins at Hebron where Israel’s elders come to ask David to be their king. This unites Judah with Israel. David makes a covenant with them. God will be a part of his reign. David then conquers Jebus, renaming it Jerusalem. Zion and David’s city are also common names for Jerusalem. David and newly minted Joab repair the city.

Next we read a section on David’s mighty warriors. These men stood out for their skill in combat, for their bravery, and for their loyalty to David. The example of David craving some water from the well at Bethlehem is given as an example. On their own, three break through the Philistine lines and get him some water. David pours the water out to honor God.

Then we have a flashback to David’s time at Ziklag. This was when Saul was trying to kill him and he fled to Philistine territory. Warriors from Benjamin, Gad, Judah, and Manasseh come to support him as the next king of Judah. This shows that a transition is under way even though Saul yet lives. The story turns to Hebron, where a massive gathering of warriors and common folk alike gather to celebrate David becoming king. All 12 tribes are listed, reflecting the genealogies we read in chapters 1-9. All of Israel supports David as their king. The reading closes with this summary: “Israel was joyful.”

Prayer: Lord God, how right and good it is when your plans and purposes are worked out. How important it is for us to be an active part of that unfolding. We ask that you would lead and guide our lives, using us for your plans and purposes. Amen.


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Set for a Transition

Readings: 1st Samuel 29, 1st Samuel 30, 1st Samuel 31

1st Samuel 30:26 – “He sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah and to his friends. ‘Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.'”

Once again it is time for battle between the Philistines and the Israelites. David has been living in the Philistine territory for over a year so he and his soldiers march out with Achish and the rest of the Philistine army. But the commanders don’t trust David – he could turn on them in battle. He and his soldiers are sent back to Ziklag. In the meantime, though, the Amalekites have raided Ziklag and have hauled off everyone. David’s soldiers are very upset, almost ready to stone David. But he consults with God and is directed to pursue the raiding party.

David and the troops have been marching for 3 days already. 200 of the soldiers are too exhausted to continue the pursuit. David and 400 press on. They find a slave who was abandoned and he leads them to the Amalekite raiders. David attacks and recovers everyone plus some sheep, cattle, and other plunder. Some of the “evil and despicable individuals” don’t want to share with the 200 but David intervenes, making it a regulation to share with those who guarded the supplies. David also sends some of the plunder to Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.”

Elsewhere, the Philistines and Israelites engage in battle. Many Israelites fall and the rest flee. Saul and sons are overtaken. Saul’s three sons die and he is wounded. He falls on his sword and dies, avoiding torture and death at the “hands of these uncircumcised men.” Some brave men recover the bodies of Saul and his sons. They are cremated and buried in Jabesh. Israel mourns for seven days.

The reign of Saul comes to a close and the stage is set for a transition to a new king. This will not be an easy transition.

Prayer: Lord God, there is violence and war and mistrust and death. There is loyalty and faith and trust and hope. Guide us to cling to you in both the good and the bad of our lives, just as David did. Turn us ever to you for guidance and strength. May we find these too. Amen.


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The One Who Does Right

Readings: 1st Samuel 25, 1st Samuel 26, 1st Samuel 27, 1st Samuel 28

1st Samuel 25:28 – “The LORD will definitely make an enduring dynasty for my master because my master fights the LORD’s battles.”

Chapter 25 brings us the story of Abigail – another female heroine who does what is right in the eyes of the Lord. She is married to Nabal, who harshly and arrogantly refuses to help David and his soldiers. This angers David and leads his to say, “Strap on your swords!” Abigail hears of all this and quickly prepares a gift, heading out to intercept David. She moves his heart away from bloodshed and vengeance with her wise words. She also tells him, “The LORD will definitely make an enduring dynasty for my master because my master fights the LORD’s battles.” He accepts her wisdom and her gifts and sends her home in peace. When Nabal hears the story, his heart fails and he soon dies. Abigail then becomes David’s wife.

Saul then comes again in pursuit of David. God causes a deep sleep to come over Saul’s camp. David and Abishai sneak into camp and steal Saul’s spear and water jug. In the morning, David confronts Abner about what has happened. Saul realizes that David has spared his life a second time: mercy.2.0. Saul blesses David and he returns back home. David settles in the land of the Philistines.

Then the Philistines again come out for war. Saul gathers the troops. He tries to consult God, but God is silent. Through a medium at Endor, Samuel is called up from the grave. Samuel reiterates what he had said before – the kingdom will be torn away. He adds something Saul likely knew – it will be given “to your friend David.” And he adds ominous news – tomorrow Saul and his sons will die at the hands of the Philistines. Saul is “utterly terrified.” We are drawing close to a transition in leadership. The one who does right in the eyes of the Lord is being guided and blessed by God. May it be so with you and with me.

Prayer: Lord God, in the midst of the foolishness, poor decisions, and overly emotional responses you continue to steadfastly guide, using this person here and that person there to accomplish your plans. Continue to lead and guide us, your servants, through the chaos and uncertainty of this world. Amen.


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Mercy Over Violence

Readings: 1st Samuel 21, 1st Samuel 22, 1st Samuel 23, 1st Samuel 24

1st Samuel 23:14 – “Saul searched for him constantly, but God did not hand David over to Saul.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today we read about Saul’s pursuit of David and his soldiers. David first goes to the priest at Nob, Ahimelech. He gets bread and a sword from him. The priest knows nothing of the conflict between Saul and David. One of Saul’s servants, Doeg, is there. When Saul finds out that Ahimelech helped David, Saul summons him and his whole household. He pleads his case. But in anger, Saul orders their deaths. It is Doeg that slaughters them all, save one son, Abiathar. He escapes and reports everything to David. David invites him to stay with them.

The Philistines attack a nearby town and David inquires of God about defending it. Yes, yes, God says. David’s soldiers aren’t so sure. They’re in hiding. Following God’s direction, though, David and his soldiers attack, winning another decisive victory. He then flees into the wilderness. There, David and his soldiers are almost trapped by Saul, but another Philistine invasion draws Saul away.

Continuing to move, David evades Saul. And then David has his chance. Saul ducks into a cave to relieve himself. David and soldiers are hiding deeper in that cave. He sneaks up and cuts off a corner of Saul’s robe. David refuses to attack or kill Saul, the Lord’s anointed. David comes out of the cave and calls out to Saul. He explains the choice he made. Saul realizes that God is with David. He acknowledges that David will be king. Saul asks David to spare his family when he is gone. For a second time, David extends mercy. The violent one is humbled by the one who is merciful.

Prayer: Lord God, lead me to be a person of mercy. May my choices always be on the side of love. Amen.