Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:6-7
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. 7 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."
Observation: The people of Jabesh Gilead are under siege and they only way that can avoid destruction is to allow their enemies to gouge out the right eye of each man as the price for peace. They send word to their countrymen for help and the people weep when they hear the terrible news. Except for Saul. He doesn't weep. He gets mad -- really mad. "...He burned with anger." And this is the right and righteous response. It is the truly spiritual response. How do we know? Because the verse tells us that "the Spirit of God came upon him and he burned with anger."
Application: Some people want leaders who are all touchy-feely and super sensitive. But Saul was right on with an intensity of anger and a strong and demonstrative response that called the nation to action in the strongest of terms. He cuts up a pair of oxen and sends the pieces to the tribes with a threat. This doesn't seem like the actions of a spiritual leader.
Bottom line: A leader has the right to respond strongly. People may not like it -- but I think God does.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead with intensity and sensitivity to you. May I be a man of action.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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