Journey through the life of Saul & David - 19. Do not Grumble

As Saul watched David go out to fight the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of his army to find out whose son was that who fought?

As soon as David returned from killing Goliath, Abner brought him to Saul with the Philistine’s head still in his hand. To Tell him about his father, And David replied, “His name is Jesse, and we live in Bethlehem.” (1 Samuel 17:51-58 NLT)

To Ponder:

Proverbs 22:29 says, Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than work for ordinary people.

David was only a shepherd boy. He did not crib about doing his duty, rather he did it sincerely and dedicatedly, so he was promoted to the higher level of serving the King's army.

Don't grumble or crib about the work you are doing today. Do it sincerely and God will lift you up to greater heights that you never imagined!!!

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 18. God will fight for us

When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran. (1 Samuel 17:51)

Then the men of Israel and Judah gave a great shout of triumph and rushed after the Philistines, chasing them. The bodies of the dead and wounded Philistines were strewn all along the road.

Then the Israelite army returned and plundered the deserted Philistine camp.

David took the Philistine’s head to Jerusalem, but he stored the man’s armor in his own tent.

To Ponder:

Deuteronomy 28:7 says, “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways."

So don't loose heart today. God himself will fight for us!!!

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 17. Name of the Lord - A Strong tower

David offered to Saul that he will fight the Philistine. (1 Samuel 17: 32) Saul replied, "there’s no way, you can fight and win!"

But David persisted that he takes care of his father’s sheep and goats. When lion or bear came he will go after it and rescue the lamb from its mouth likewise he can do to the pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God!

Saul finally agreed “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the LORD be with you!”

Then Saul gave David his own armor but David was not comfortable with it So David took them off.

He picked up five 5 smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, along with the shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight. (1 Samuel 17:40)

Goliath roared at David asking if he was a dog that he come with a stick and he cursed David by the names of his gods.

David replied, "You come with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—Today the LORD will conquer you"( 1 Samuel 17:45)

He hurled the stone with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground. David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone. Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath and used it to kill him and cut off his head.

To Ponder:

Psalms 20:7 says,  Some people boast of their chariots and horses, but like David we boast in the name of the LORD our God. Jesus said ask anything in my name I will give it. The name of the Lord is such a strong tower.

Today let us win our worldly battles by the Name of The Lord!!!

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 16. Quite and gentle spirit

When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”

“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?"

He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him.

To Ponder:

We see here the usual sibling rivalry between David's elder brother and David. Though he mocked him, David answered politely.

Pro 25:15 says, Patience persuades a prince and soft speech breaks a bone.

Do we answer graciously and politely to our brothers and sisters?

Let us be patient with one another and may our words be gracious and kind.

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 15. Focus on God

The Philistines now mustered their army for battle, Saul also countered by gathering his troops. So the Philistines and Israelites faced each other on opposite hills, with the valley between them. (1 Samuel 17:3) 

Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out to face the forces of Israel.

He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds, he wore a bronze leg armor, he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.

For forty days, every morning and evening, Goliath stood and shouted calling someone to fight with him.(1 Samuel 17:16)

Jesse’s three oldest sons—Eliab, Abinadab, and Shimea were in Saul’s army.

Jesse asked David, to take a basket of roasted grain and ten loaves of bread to his brothers. And ten cuts of cheese to their captain.

David left the sheep with another shepherd and went early next morning with the gifts.

The Israelite army was in a fright on seeing the giant. David was curious to know the reward for killing the giant?

The men replied that the king has offered his daughters to be his wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!

The giant was too big and Strong to look at but David's eyes were only on the reward.

To Ponder:

Today, what do we focus on? The problems that appear as giants before us or the reward that is waiting in heaven for us?

Let's be like David to fix our eyes on the reward and not the problems.

Journey through the Life of Saul & David - 14. God's Anointing

One of Saul's servants said to Saul, David, Jesse’s sons was a talented harp player, a brave warrior, a man of war, and had good judgment also a fine-looking young man, and the LORD is with him. (1 Samuel 16:18)

So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to send his son David, the shepherd.

Jesse immediately sent David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine.

So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. (1 Samuel 16:12-21 NLT)

When David was anointed by Samuel the power of God came mightily upon him from that day on.

Above all the skills he had, God was with him.

To Ponder:

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit people will see God in our life.

May we show Christ to the world by our life,  and be filled with anointing always!!

Journey through the Life of Saul & David - 13. Fear and Depression is not from God

Since David was not present at the sacrifice Jesse his dad sent for him.

David was a man dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.

And the LORD said, “This is the one; anoint him.” (1 Samuel 16 :12)

So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David.

And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on.

Now the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul, and the LORD sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.

So to get rid of that Saul wanted someone who can play music well to calm him down.

To Ponder:

We see here depression and fear are tormenting spirits coming from the evil one.

Ephesians 4:30 says, do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way we live. Remember, He has identified us as His own, guaranteeing that we will be saved on the day of redemption.

So let us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit always, giving room for Him to control our lives, so that we will not be overcome by fear and depression and anxiety.

Journey through the Life of Saul & David - 12. Inner beauty matters

The LORD said to Samuel, that he had mourned enough for Saul. Anyways Saul was rejected and he has to anoint another person as king. (1 Samuel 16:1)

So he was asked to fill his flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem and find a man named Jesse who lived there. Since God had selected one of his sons as king.

Samuel was hesitating to do that since if Saul heard about it, he would kill him.

So The Lord asked Samuel to take a heifer with him and tell others that he went to make a sacrifice to the LORD.

The Lord asked him to invite Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice, so that He can show which son to anoint as king. Samuel did as the LORD instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the elders of the town were scared to meet Samuel.

They asked What went wrong and if Samuel came in peace. Samuel replied that he came to sacrifice to the LORD. Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too.

When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought that Surely the LORD must have anointed him.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.

The LORD doesn’t see things the way we see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:1-7 NLT)

To Ponder:

Yes! So don't waste your precious time and money in outward adornment. Rather spend your time at the feet of God where the inner man will be changed.

Journey through the Life of Saul & David - 11.Obedience - Our gift to God

Saul requested Samuel to forgive him and join with him to worship the LORD. (1 Samuel 15:25)

But Samuel refused! And when Samuel turned to go, Saul tried to hold him back and tore the hem of his robe.

Samuel told him that, similarly, the LORD also tore the kingdom of Israel from Saul that day and gave it to someone else, one who is better than him.

He said, God will not lie, or change his mind, he is not human to change his mind! (1 Samuel 15:28)

Saul pleaded again to at least honor him before the elders and before Israel by joining him to worship the LORD .

So Samuel finally agreed and went back with him, and Saul worshiped The Lord.

Samuel put Agag to death before the Lord at Gilgal. (1 Samuel 15:33)

Samuel went back home and Saul too returned to his house. Samuel never went to meet with Saul again, but he mourned constantly for him. And the LORD was sorry he had ever made Saul king of Israel.

To Ponder:

Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering. Rebelling is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. (1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT)

How are we today ? Do we obey the word of God ? Are we submissive to our God given spiritual guide or leader?

Do we rebel? Are we stubborn?

Let's set our life right today with the help of God!

Journey through the Life of Saul & David - 10. Be God pleasers, not Man pleasers

The LORD decided to settle accounts with the Amalekites for opposing the Israelites when they came from Egypt.

So, He sent Saul on a mission to go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites; and fight against them until they were consumed.

Saul mobilized his army and sent warning to the Kenites to move away from the Amalekites , since they showed kindness to the Israelites when they came from Egypt. and  the Kenites cleared the place.

Then Saul slaughtered the Amalekites and captured Agag, the Amalekite king, and spared his life and kept the best of the cattle and everything, in fact, they destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality.

God felt sorry for making Saul king, since refused to obey his command. (1 Samuel 15:10)

Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this and he cried out to the LORD all night.

He said to Saul that, though Saul dint have confidence and was small in his own eyes, before the Lord made him head of the tribes of Israel and anointed him as king over Israel, yet Saul did not carefully listen and obey. (1 Samuel 15:17)

But Saul defended that he obeyed the Lord and brought king Agag and destroyed the Amalekites. But the people only took from the spoil to sacrifice to the Lord .

But Samuel said, because he rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected Saul as king.

Then Saul realised that he had sinned and transgressed the commandment of the Lord and Samuel's words, because he feared the people and obeyed their voice rather than God's.

To Ponder:

Many times we also become people pleasers rather than God pleasers.

We forget what God did for us in the past. When things go well in life we take God for granted and people become valuable in our eyes. We respect their words and start compromising on God's words.

Let Saul's life be a warning to not be easy going or careless about God's words!!!

Journey through the Life of Saul & David - 9. Our God - Patient loving Father

King Saul ruled for 42 years. He secured his grasp on Israel’s throne by fighting against his enemies from every direction.

And wherever he turned, he was victorious. He performed great deeds and conquered the Amalekites, saving Israel from all those who had plundered them.

Saul’s father, Kish, and Abner his army commander's father, Ner, were brothers.

The Israelites fought constantly with the Philistines throughout Saul’s lifetime.

Whenever Saul observed a young man who was brave and strong, he drafted him into his army. (1 Samuel 14:47-48, 51-52 NLT)

King Saul had a strong military army headed by his cousin Abner and God gave Saul victory from all his enemies around him and established His throne.

To Ponder:

Though God was not pleased with Saul when he failed to listen to Samuel and wait for Him to make the sacrifice, He still blessed Saul by giving him victory for the sake of the Israelites.

Our God is a patient, loving father. Though we don't listen to His word at times, since we are His children bought by His precious blood, He gives us victory when we run to Him with faith.

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 8.God is on our side

When Saul saw the philistine army getting scattered . He cross checked if who was missing in the camp and  found that Jonathan and his armor bearer missing.

Saul and his men rushed to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. The Lord saved Israel that day!!!

Now the men of Israel were exhausted that day, because Saul made them take a foolish oath, that the person who eats anything before they finish fighting will be cursed.

So no one ate anything. But Jonathan did not hear his father’s command, so he dipped the end of his stick into a piece of honeycomb and ate the honey.

When he finished eating it, he felt refreshed. (1 Samuel 14:24-27 NLT)

Jonathan said that his father command only hurts. If the men were allowed to eat freely they would have the stamina to sustain longer now the men were growing weary.

That evening when they were allowed to eat they cut the animals and without draining out their blood they stated eating. They were so hungry.

Saul hearing this to avoid the people from sinning against God by eating the animals with blood. He kept a stone and asked everyone to cut the animals there and drain out the blood. He built an alter for God and sacrificed there that day.

He inquired the Lord , if they should continue fighting in the night but they dint get an answer from God.

So they cast lots to find out , who had sinned against God that He refused to answer and the lot fell on Jonathan!!

But the people rescued Jonathan that day, since he was the one who boldly went into the enemy camp, fought and got the victory for them!

To Ponder:

Though at times we are helplessly caught in a foolish curse, we are privileged to have the God of justice by our side. His righteousness will shine on us like the dawn.  Praise God !!

Be encouraged, God is on our side!!!

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 7. Trust in the Lord

One day Jonathan suddenly planned to visit the philistine camp with his armor bearer without his dad's knowledge.

Jonathan had to go through a pass to get to the Philistine camp, there were two large rocks, one on each side of the pass.

Jonathan had confidence that the Lord will help them and nothing can keep him from giving them the victory, no matter how few they were. (1 Samuel 14:6)

The young man with Jonathan rendered full support to him.

Jonathan asked a sign from God, that if the Philistines called them to their camp then they would go taking that as a positive sign from the Lord, that He has given them the victory.

Jonathan climbed up out of the pass on his hands and knees, Jonathan attacked the Philistines and knocked them down. (1 Samuel 14:13)

In that first slaughter Jonathan and the young man killed about twenty men in an area of about half an acre.

All the Philistines in the countryside were terrified; the raiders and the soldiers in the camp trembled with fear; the earth shook, and there was great panic. ( 1 Samuel 14:15)

And The Lord saved Israelites that day !!!

To Ponder:

Though they were only two in number, they got the conformation from God and boldly marched forward. Nothing can ever stop them from getting the victory, because God was by their side!!!!

With God by our side we can run through a troop. Cheer up!!!

Absolute faith is what is required.

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 6. Do not be anxious

Saul was 30 years old when he became king, and he reigned for 42 years.(1 Samuel 13:1)

Since Jonathan attacked the Philistines, they were against Israelites waiting to attack them.

So Saul waited 7 days for Samuel, as he instructed him but Samuel still did not arrive.

Since people began to desert Saul, he decided to offer the burnt sacrifices and the fellowship sacrifices to the Lord. (1 Samuel 13:8-9)

Just as he was finishing, Samuel arrived and said, “What have you done?” Saul said that people were deserting him, since Samuel did not come, when he said he would; ...

Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering and that you did not come at the set time, I thought, the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” (1 Samuel 13:11,12)

Samuel answered that was a foolish thing to do. Since he disobeyed by doing it, the Lord rejected him as king and will find the kind of man He wants and make him ruler of His people.

To Ponder:

Since Saul got tensed humanly...Looking at the situation ....and people's pressure on the other side ....He saw his army getting scattered ..out of anxiety and tension he couldn't wait anymore. So he took things into his own hands.

Many a time, we too commit the same mistake in our life. It is very difficult for us to keep quiet in pressurized situations.

Let us learn from Saul's life not to be anxious and hasty and lose God's best for us, rather let us learn to wait on The Lord.

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 5. God is on our side

Nahash, king of the Ammonites, was oppressing the people of Gad and Reuben who lived in the east of the Jordan.

He gouged out the right eye of each of the Israelites living there, and he didn’t allow anyone to come and help. There wasn’t a single one whose right eye was not gouged out.

But there were 7,000 men who had escaped from the Ammonites, and they had settled in Jabesh-Gilead.

King Nahash led his army against Jabesh-Gilead to attack the 7000 men. But all the citizens asked for peace, they pleaded. So Nahash agreed on one condition, to gouge out the right eye of everyone as a disgrace to all Israel!

The elders asked seven days to send messengers throughout Israel! “If no one helps, they decided to agree to the terms of Nahash.” When they came to Saul and the people told about their plight, everyone broke into tears.

Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he became very angry. He took two oxen and cut them into pieces and sent the messengers to carry them throughout Israel with this message: "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel"

And the LORD made the people afraid of Saul’s anger, and all of them came out together as one.

Saul made a surprise attack and fought all morning and won over king Nahash.

Then the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Where are the people who said that Saul should not be our king? Hand them over to us, and we will kill them!”

But Saul said, “No one will be put to death for this is the day the Lord rescued Israel.” And Samuel said, “Let us all go and once more proclaim Saul as our king.”

To Ponder:

Don't worry. Today God will silence the mouths of the people who spoke negatively about you. Jesus is still on the Throne. He will stand up for us once again. Amen

Just when you enemy seems to have the upper hand, place your trust in God and realize that the day set for your destruction may actually be the day of your deliverance.

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 4. Move forward

In order to openly declare the king, Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel before the LORD, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot. (1 Samuel 10: 20)

Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the LORD, and the family of the Matri’s clan was chosen. And finally, Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them.

But when they looked for Saul, he had disappeared! So they asked the LORD, “Where is he?” And the LORD replied, “He is hiding among the baggage.” So they found him and brought him out. (1 Samuel 10) 21-23).

Saul stood head and shoulders above anyone else. Then Samuel said to all the people, “This is the man the LORD has chosen as your king. No one in all Israel is like him!” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10: 24).

Then Samuel told the people what the rights and duties of a king were. He wrote them down on a scroll and placed it before the LORD.

When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a group of men whose hearts God had touched went with him.

But there were some scoundrels who complained, “How can this fellow save us?” And they scorned him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them.  (1 Samuel 10: 27).

To Ponder:

When God anointed Saul as king, He not only changed him into a different person, but his companions were also touched by God.

Though some people had negative thoughts and feelings, Saul ignored them.

Let us also learn to ignore the few people who are negative forces in our life and learn to move forward with those whom God has blessed us with.

Avoid negative people for they are the greatest destroyers of self-confidence and self-esteem. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and bring out the best in you.

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 3. Anointing of the Lord

After Samuel anointed Saul, Samuel said that when they leave him they would see these 3 things happen.

He will see two men beside Rachel’s tomb. They will tell that the donkeys have been found and that Saul's father was now worried about him. (1 Samuel 10: 2-7)

✓     When they go to the oak of Tabor, they will see three men coming toward them who were on their way to worship God at Bethel.

o   One will be bringing three young goats,

o   Another will have three loaves of bread,

o   The third will be carrying a wineskin full of wine.

They will greet Saul and offer him two of the loaves, which he should accept.

✓     When he arrived at Gibeah of God, Saul will meet a band of prophets coming down from the place of worship. They will be playing the harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre, and they will be prophesying.

✓     At that time the Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon Saul, and he will prophesy with them. Then Saul will be changed into a different person.

After these signs take place, Samuel asked Saul to do what must be done, for God was with him.

As Saul turned to leave, God gave him a new heart and all Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day.

When those who knew Saul heard about Saul prophesying they were astonished saying “Is even Saul a prophet?”

Saul’s uncle enquired on what happened? Saul didn’t tell his uncle what Samuel said about the kingdom but only conveyed him about the donkeys (1 Samuel 10: 9-16)

To Ponder:

When Saul was anointed with the Holy Spirit, he was transformed into a different person. He started prophesying. God gave him a new heart. People were astonished to see the change in Saul's life.

Let us always be filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be witnesses for the Lord as people see the hand of the Lord in everything we do in our lives.

Journey through the life of Saul & David - 2. All things are possible

Saul went to Samuel’s house and Samuel introduced himself and asked him to go up to the place of worship. (1 Samuel 9:19)

They all ate there, then he asked him not to worry about the lost donkeys and that he will speak to him in the morning.

Samuel told Saul that he and his family were the focus of all Israel’s hopes.

Saul replied, that he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel and that his family is the least important of all the families of that tribe.

Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and placed them at the head of the table, honoring them above the thirty special guests.

Samuel then instructed the cook to bring Saul the finest cut of meat, the piece that had been set aside for the guest of honor. So the cook brought in the meat and placed it before Saul.

Saul slept in Samuel’s house. In the morning, they all left the house together. When they reached the edge of town, Samuel told Saul to send his servant ahead. Since he wanted to convey a special message from God. (1 Samuel 9:18-27)

Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it over Saul’s head. He kissed Saul and said, the LORD has appointed him to be the ruler over Israel, his special possession. (1 Samuel 10:1)

To Ponder:

Though Saul was from the least of all the tribes, God chose him and gave him the greatest honor.

Humanly it might seem impossible, but with God all things are possible.

God is capable of doing things that are far greater than our imagination.

God's plan for you

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "

They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)