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.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Title: Two Kinds Of Men / Topic: Character & Response
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:7-8, 12
1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it... 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise...
Observation: In both of these passages we see leadership that causes a response. In the passage from 1 Samuel, Saul has just been anointed king and there are two kinds of men described. The first is "valiant men whose hearts God had touched" and the second, "troublemakers" -- and, based on their character (valiant men or troublemakers), they have different responses. The valiant men get a touch from God and follow Saul, willing to relocate to do so. The troublemakers critically and cynically question Saul's authority and, with others (implied by the text), despise him and refuse to acknowledge and honor Saul as king.
In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is the leader to whom there are different responses. There are those who willingly follow Paul (implied by the context), and those who criticize and question his authority, having challenged his right to exert authority over the Corinthian church. These critical people rely on comparisons, using their own opinions as a standard of judgment, comparing Paul and themselves to each other. They have found things in Paul that they believe to be deficient and thus they reject his authority. Apparently, they do not like the fact that Paul presumes to act as if he has a role in their maturation process by speaking to them with rebukes, corrections, and direction. They don't want Paul telling them what to do or how to live, and they feel as though he is tearing them down. Paul asserts that indeed he does have a legitimate role in directing their lives, but it is to build them up, not to tear them down -- to help anyone who is willing. But because they have a critical spirit, they don't get it. Paul tells them that they are "only looking on the surface of things." And he refuses to join into their foolish comparisons.
Application: Each of us sets his own path in responding to authority. Some people reject authority because of flaws in the people exercising authority. But all human authority that God establishes is flawed, and God expects us to follow it just the same. We are to submit to authority in the same way we submit to God himself. And the way we respond to authority, with submission or rejection, willing cooperation or critical challenge, is a reflection of the character of our lives: the valiant person follows (not blindly but willingly and fully engaged) and the troublemaker criticizes and rejects (and gets others to join in their group).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a valiant man, not seeking my own way but willingly and happily responding to the human authority you have placed in my life. May I submit to authority in such a way that you are pleased with me and that those over me may be aware of my love and support for them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:7-8, 12
1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it... 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise...
Observation: In both of these passages we see leadership that causes a response. In the passage from 1 Samuel, Saul has just been anointed king and there are two kinds of men described. The first is "valiant men whose hearts God had touched" and the second, "troublemakers" -- and, based on their character (valiant men or troublemakers), they have different responses. The valiant men get a touch from God and follow Saul, willing to relocate to do so. The troublemakers critically and cynically question Saul's authority and, with others (implied by the text), despise him and refuse to acknowledge and honor Saul as king.
In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is the leader to whom there are different responses. There are those who willingly follow Paul (implied by the context), and those who criticize and question his authority, having challenged his right to exert authority over the Corinthian church. These critical people rely on comparisons, using their own opinions as a standard of judgment, comparing Paul and themselves to each other. They have found things in Paul that they believe to be deficient and thus they reject his authority. Apparently, they do not like the fact that Paul presumes to act as if he has a role in their maturation process by speaking to them with rebukes, corrections, and direction. They don't want Paul telling them what to do or how to live, and they feel as though he is tearing them down. Paul asserts that indeed he does have a legitimate role in directing their lives, but it is to build them up, not to tear them down -- to help anyone who is willing. But because they have a critical spirit, they don't get it. Paul tells them that they are "only looking on the surface of things." And he refuses to join into their foolish comparisons.
Application: Each of us sets his own path in responding to authority. Some people reject authority because of flaws in the people exercising authority. But all human authority that God establishes is flawed, and God expects us to follow it just the same. We are to submit to authority in the same way we submit to God himself. And the way we respond to authority, with submission or rejection, willing cooperation or critical challenge, is a reflection of the character of our lives: the valiant person follows (not blindly but willingly and fully engaged) and the troublemaker criticizes and rejects (and gets others to join in their group).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a valiant man, not seeking my own way but willingly and happily responding to the human authority you have placed in my life. May I submit to authority in such a way that you are pleased with me and that those over me may be aware of my love and support for them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Title: You Can't Outgive God / Topic: Giving And Receiving
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Observation: In this last section of 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul deals with the offering that he is to collect from the Corinthian church. He makes the point that they had promised to give significantly and they need to deliver on that promise! One point that Paul makes is found in the above verses: as we give, God gives to us -- and in more ways than one!
Application: When we give in obedience to God, he gives back to us in so many ways. We receive grace to do good works (verse 8), additional seed for future harvests and an enlargement of the righteousness in our lives (verse 10), comprehensive richness which redounds to greater generosity and causes people to thank God (verse 11).
Bottom Line: Giving to God is a wonderful deal! We receive so much that whatever we give, God gives us more in return. The old saying is true: You can't outgive God.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for your giving nature. You are such a loving Lord and you express your loving through giving. I have been richly blessed because you have delighted to bless me by giving to me. Help me to be a conduit of your grace and generosity in my own practice of giving. I want to cause people to know you and your truly amazing grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Observation: In this last section of 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul deals with the offering that he is to collect from the Corinthian church. He makes the point that they had promised to give significantly and they need to deliver on that promise! One point that Paul makes is found in the above verses: as we give, God gives to us -- and in more ways than one!
Application: When we give in obedience to God, he gives back to us in so many ways. We receive grace to do good works (verse 8), additional seed for future harvests and an enlargement of the righteousness in our lives (verse 10), comprehensive richness which redounds to greater generosity and causes people to thank God (verse 11).
Bottom Line: Giving to God is a wonderful deal! We receive so much that whatever we give, God gives us more in return. The old saying is true: You can't outgive God.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for your giving nature. You are such a loving Lord and you express your loving through giving. I have been richly blessed because you have delighted to bless me by giving to me. Help me to be a conduit of your grace and generosity in my own practice of giving. I want to cause people to know you and your truly amazing grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Title: Faithless Leaders -- Faithless People / Topic: Spiritual Leadership
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
Observation: This last statement is made in a very matter-of-fact manner. But no reason is given for the rarity of the word of the Lord and visions. But the reading from yesterday clues us in. The sons of Eli were wicked in the function of their priestly office to the point where they caused people to despise the experience of the sacrifice. This caused a general turning away from seeking the Lord. When we see a nation that is turned away from seeking the Lord, is it any surprise that the Lord doesn't speak much to that nation?
Application: Sins and abuses by spiritual leaders can turn a people away from seeking the Lord which can result in a dearth of spiritual experience. When those who are supposed to lead any people fail to honor the Lord, they not only cause people to dishonor them, but they cause people to dishonor the Lord as well. There will be great judgment and punishment for such leaders.
I believe these assertions are true but that does not excuse the people from their responsibility to seek and honor the Lord. Leaders indeed bear a heavier responsibility but every person must also take responsibility for his own spiritual condition.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful leader and to draw every open and receptive person into a deep relationship with you. May the culture of our spiritual environment be rich and deep, with everyone seeking and finding you in a ever deepening way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
Observation: This last statement is made in a very matter-of-fact manner. But no reason is given for the rarity of the word of the Lord and visions. But the reading from yesterday clues us in. The sons of Eli were wicked in the function of their priestly office to the point where they caused people to despise the experience of the sacrifice. This caused a general turning away from seeking the Lord. When we see a nation that is turned away from seeking the Lord, is it any surprise that the Lord doesn't speak much to that nation?
Application: Sins and abuses by spiritual leaders can turn a people away from seeking the Lord which can result in a dearth of spiritual experience. When those who are supposed to lead any people fail to honor the Lord, they not only cause people to dishonor them, but they cause people to dishonor the Lord as well. There will be great judgment and punishment for such leaders.
I believe these assertions are true but that does not excuse the people from their responsibility to seek and honor the Lord. Leaders indeed bear a heavier responsibility but every person must also take responsibility for his own spiritual condition.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful leader and to draw every open and receptive person into a deep relationship with you. May the culture of our spiritual environment be rich and deep, with everyone seeking and finding you in a ever deepening way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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