May 12- How Quickly The Mighty Have Fallen

May 12, 2011

Scripture Readings:
I Samuel 12:1-13:23; John 7:1-30;
Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4

A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you. 
~ C.S. Lewis

I Samuel 12:1-13:23

The concept of the fatal flaw is big in literature.  Ancient heroes in epic stories usually have one aspect of their personality that contributes to their demise.  It was usually hubris or pride.  Julius Caesar is said to have been assasinated because of his hubris.  This led to his betrayal and demise at the hands of Marcus Brutus.  Hence the famous quote, "Et tu, Brute?" Today, Saul has a fatal flaw that will lead to his demise as the king of Israel.  But first, Samuel gives his swan song to the nation of Israel.

It is a good thing when a man can go before a group of people, ask if he has led an honest life and receive a response in the affirmative.  Samuel's godly character is intact as he addresses the Israelites in his old age.  He recounts God's great work in rescuing the Israelites from Egypt, their subsequent falling away from God into Baal and Ashtoreth worship, God's deliverance through the judges, and God's acquiescing to give Israel a king.  Samuel reminds the people that obedience is key to God's blessing them in the land.  As Samuel calls out to God in front of the assembly, the Lord sends a great thunderstorm. The people fear that they have sinned in asking for a king. Samuel assures them that the Lord has chosen them as a special people and He will never abandon them.

Saul is thirty years old when he is anointed as king of Israel.  As he musters an army to fight the Philistines, the men assembled are fearful for the upcoming battle.  They are all waiting for Samuel to come and give the Lord's blessing on their efforts.  Samuel is delayed in coming and Saul is impatient.  Because of his anxiety and impatience, Saul decides to perform the duties of the priest and do the burnt offering himself.  This is a huge no-no. It was absolutely against Moses' laws for anyone besides a priest of the tribe of Levi to do the burnt offering.  This reveals tremendous hubris/pride on the part of Saul.  We see his flawed character in this incident.  We see that he is not a man after God's own heart.

When Samuel discovers what Saul has done, Samuel prophesies that Saul's dynasty will come to an end.  Samuel tells Saul that God has already chosen another man to be king over his people because Saul disobeyed in this way.  This prophesy will begin to torture Saul in the days ahead.

Can God trust you to be obedient to His word?  Do you flee God's ways at the first sign of trouble in your life?

John 7:1-30

Jesus is reluctant to go to Jerusalem during the Festival of Shelters and show his miracles.  His followers are urging him to show off all of his powers to everyone.  Jesus knows that even members of his family do not believe he is the Messiah. Jesus explains to them that the world is going to hate him because he is going to reveal their sins to them.  He states that his time has not yet come. Jesus is not a prideful man.  He does not have to prove himself in front of others.  He does not need man's approval.  Jesus seeks God's approval.

Jesus does go to the Festival secretly and midway through the Festival of Shelters or Booths he goes up to the Temple and begins to teach.  The Jewish leaders are surprised at His knowledge.  You see, Jesus is not a seminary graduate.  He comes from the home school of God.  He is a self-taught and God-taught person.  Jesus says that none of them are obeying the laws of Moses.  Jesus confronts them on their hypocrisy about working on the Sabbath.  Jesus confirms again that he comes from heaven and from the Father.  People are confused by his teaching.

Do you find yourself being dogmatic about things like the Sabbath?  Does that square with Jesus' dogmatism?  He seems to be dogmatic about how to receive eternal life.  Are you dogmatic about that?

Psalm 108:1-13

This psalm is about being confident in God's strength.  Are you confident in His strength in your life?

Proverbs 15:4

Gentle words can bring life and health.  Deceitful words crush another person's spirit. 

What did you notice as you read today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011