And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 1Sam 15:15
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. 1Sam 15:20-21
How pitiful to see a man caught in his disobedience. It would be comical if it weren't so deadly serious in its consequences. And if it didn't strike so close to home: on our own door step!
Samuel has made Saul aware of his lack of obedience. But Saul presses on. Of course he and the people spared the best of the animals. Why waste such a wonderful offering for the LORD! All these good, healthy animals. Surely, he tried to persuade Samuel, the LORD would be pleased with such a great offering! Yes, I spared Agag, but we destroyed all the rest of the nation of Amalek. That has to count as a great achievement! Surely the LORD will see the intent of our hearts!
The saddest part of this encounter is that Saul probably did believe what he said. He actually thought that he had done what the LORD wanted. No wonder the LORD warns us in Jeremiah 17:9 that the heart is deceitful above all things! Moses warned Israel not to do that which is right in their own eyes (Deu 12:8). It was the bad days of the book of judges when men trusted their own judgment (Judges 17:6; 21:25). The fool thinks his way is right; it is the wise man that listens to good counsel (Pro 12:15). And by nature all men are prone to think that their way is right, while the LORD judges their hearts (Pro 21:2).
Our hearts, by nature, are foolish. If a perfect man (Adam) could sin rebelliously and foolishly against the LORD, how quickly will we fall. Get it straight; your and my deviations from God's command is NOT a better idea! It is suicidal madness! We are NOT smarter or more holy than the Most High.
Brethren, the ONLY safe way is to follow the LORD's instructions exactly! DO NOT THINK! OBEY!!!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 1Sam 15:14
How obedient are you to every thing which the LORD has shown you from Scripture?
Ask that of the average Christian and you will receive a hostile response. Some because they don't believe that the sugar daddy they call "god" would require any obedience of his children. Others because they are insulted that you would call their integrity into question. Then some will answer with a smile and a hearty "Amen!" but they are frauds. Saul was just such a man.
Saul was given a command by God through Samuel. He was to destroy the nation of the Amalites for their sin in attacking Israel when they were traveling to the land of Canaan to possess it (1Sam 15:1-3). Every man, woman, child, and domestic animal in the nation was to be destroyed.
Saul gathered the people, warned the Kenites (relatives of Moses' step father who came with Israel) and took the city (15:4-7). Saul destroyed all the citizens, but kept Agag, the king, alive (vs. 8-9a). Then he and the people destroyed all of the sick, deformed and old among the livestock but kept the rest, the good stuff, alive (vs. 9b). The LORD informed Samuel, who liked Saul, of his disobedience (vs. 10-11a). It grieved Samuel because he knew that the LORD was finished with Saul and preparing his replacement as king (vs. 11b, 23b).
When Saul met Samuel, he greeted him with a blessing and professed his great obedience to the LORD's command (vs. 13). And many will do just the same. They will profess how much they love Jesus and how good it is to be in spiritual communion with His holy saints! But actions are what count.
How is it with you, brother, sister? Are there sheep bleating in your life? Have you set aside everything that the LORD has commanded to be out of your life? Just as with Saul, it does not matter how many things you have cast out. If you are holding on to just one item which the LORD has said to forsake, you have a big, smelly ox standing in your living room, going "Moooo".
How obedient are you to every thing which the LORD has shown you from Scripture?
Ask that of the average Christian and you will receive a hostile response. Some because they don't believe that the sugar daddy they call "god" would require any obedience of his children. Others because they are insulted that you would call their integrity into question. Then some will answer with a smile and a hearty "Amen!" but they are frauds. Saul was just such a man.
Saul was given a command by God through Samuel. He was to destroy the nation of the Amalites for their sin in attacking Israel when they were traveling to the land of Canaan to possess it (1Sam 15:1-3). Every man, woman, child, and domestic animal in the nation was to be destroyed.
Saul gathered the people, warned the Kenites (relatives of Moses' step father who came with Israel) and took the city (15:4-7). Saul destroyed all the citizens, but kept Agag, the king, alive (vs. 8-9a). Then he and the people destroyed all of the sick, deformed and old among the livestock but kept the rest, the good stuff, alive (vs. 9b). The LORD informed Samuel, who liked Saul, of his disobedience (vs. 10-11a). It grieved Samuel because he knew that the LORD was finished with Saul and preparing his replacement as king (vs. 11b, 23b).
When Saul met Samuel, he greeted him with a blessing and professed his great obedience to the LORD's command (vs. 13). And many will do just the same. They will profess how much they love Jesus and how good it is to be in spiritual communion with His holy saints! But actions are what count.
How is it with you, brother, sister? Are there sheep bleating in your life? Have you set aside everything that the LORD has commanded to be out of your life? Just as with Saul, it does not matter how many things you have cast out. If you are holding on to just one item which the LORD has said to forsake, you have a big, smelly ox standing in your living room, going "Moooo".
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wisdom Principles - Suffering
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 1Pet 2:19
Here is a principle of righteousness that is not popular with those enamored of the world, but that spiritual men understand. The principle of suffering.
It should not come as a surprise. Our LORD said that if they persecuted Him, they would persecute us (John 15:20). The world had no love for Jesus, so it will not love us!
There will come times in a godly man's life when he will suffer for doing righteousness. And as Peter indicated, that is a blessed situation to be in. Then you truly are doing something to take note of! It is at that point that you truly are living like Christ.
Here is a principle of righteousness that is not popular with those enamored of the world, but that spiritual men understand. The principle of suffering.
It should not come as a surprise. Our LORD said that if they persecuted Him, they would persecute us (John 15:20). The world had no love for Jesus, so it will not love us!
There will come times in a godly man's life when he will suffer for doing righteousness. And as Peter indicated, that is a blessed situation to be in. Then you truly are doing something to take note of! It is at that point that you truly are living like Christ.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wisdom Principles - Prudence
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. Pro 22:3, 27:12
It may seem simple, but prudence is a principle of wisdom. And it is an important principle, as the LORD gives this verse, word for word, in two places in Proverbs!
The wise man looks ahead and considers a situation. He examines it from all angles. He is risk adverse, he doesn't like to take unnecessary risks. He is especially careful to note any tendencies or trends in a course of action that would lead to danger or harm, whether personal, spiritual, financial, or professional.
When a wise man sees danger ahead, he hides himself. He takes out insurance, reduces spending and increases saving, takes a different path, changes jobs, where he lives, who he associates with and what he says publicly. Whatever is reasonable to keep himself, his family and his assets safe, he does.
If the winds of change blow against him, he takes a low profile and does not advertise his convictions. Elijah thought he was the only righteous man in Israel in his day. But the LORD told him that there were 7,000 men who had not bowed the knee to Baal. These were wise men who knew that with a Baal worshiper in power, you did not advertise the fact that you worshiped Jehovah!
Let us learn and practice the principles of wisdom. They will bless our lives and keep us safe!
It may seem simple, but prudence is a principle of wisdom. And it is an important principle, as the LORD gives this verse, word for word, in two places in Proverbs!
The wise man looks ahead and considers a situation. He examines it from all angles. He is risk adverse, he doesn't like to take unnecessary risks. He is especially careful to note any tendencies or trends in a course of action that would lead to danger or harm, whether personal, spiritual, financial, or professional.
When a wise man sees danger ahead, he hides himself. He takes out insurance, reduces spending and increases saving, takes a different path, changes jobs, where he lives, who he associates with and what he says publicly. Whatever is reasonable to keep himself, his family and his assets safe, he does.
If the winds of change blow against him, he takes a low profile and does not advertise his convictions. Elijah thought he was the only righteous man in Israel in his day. But the LORD told him that there were 7,000 men who had not bowed the knee to Baal. These were wise men who knew that with a Baal worshiper in power, you did not advertise the fact that you worshiped Jehovah!
Let us learn and practice the principles of wisdom. They will bless our lives and keep us safe!
Wisdom Principles - Offense
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
1Cor 10:32
Wisdom: maintaining favor with God and man. A simple but overlooked principle of wisdom in a macho culture is offense.
Here Paul instructs the believers in Corinth concerning Christian libery. He explains that our liberty is to be bounded by the consideration of others. We should strive to glorify God in all our endeavors and seek the good of others in the process. As such, we should strive to live in a way that avoids offending others.
This is obviously NOT an absolute guide! If we are living as Christians there are many things which we will do or not do as matters of righteousness. Sinful men will ridicule and hate us for our righteous lifestyle. They hated Jesus Christ and all He did was feed the hungry, heal the sick, give sight to the blind and raise the dead! So we will cause offense to some. But in general, we should be living in a way that does not intentionally offend those around us.
God has given us richly all things to enjoy. All lawful pleasures are ours. But we need to guard the manner and timing of the enjoyment of those good things to avoid offending others. This is the principle of offense. May we glorify our Father in heaven by being wise men and avoiding unnecessary offenses.
1Cor 10:32
Wisdom: maintaining favor with God and man. A simple but overlooked principle of wisdom in a macho culture is offense.
Here Paul instructs the believers in Corinth concerning Christian libery. He explains that our liberty is to be bounded by the consideration of others. We should strive to glorify God in all our endeavors and seek the good of others in the process. As such, we should strive to live in a way that avoids offending others.
This is obviously NOT an absolute guide! If we are living as Christians there are many things which we will do or not do as matters of righteousness. Sinful men will ridicule and hate us for our righteous lifestyle. They hated Jesus Christ and all He did was feed the hungry, heal the sick, give sight to the blind and raise the dead! So we will cause offense to some. But in general, we should be living in a way that does not intentionally offend those around us.
God has given us richly all things to enjoy. All lawful pleasures are ours. But we need to guard the manner and timing of the enjoyment of those good things to avoid offending others. This is the principle of offense. May we glorify our Father in heaven by being wise men and avoiding unnecessary offenses.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Wisdom Principles - Specificity
Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? Matt 12:5
Some of the principles of wisdom are what we are considering. How can I make decisions that will keep me in favor with God and man in all circumstances? Today's principle is specificity. A specific instruction overrides a general rule or law.
Here is an example from our Lord's ministry that we used earlier, but this time a different lesson is taught. The disciples picking corn on the sabbath day and eating it is the situation. The Pharisees are questioning their doing work on the sabbath day. And our Lord uses a different principle to correct the Pharisees with and defend His disciples.
As we all know, no work was to be done on the sabbath day. But sacrifices were to be brought to the Tabernacle and later the Temple daily. Tending to the fire on the altar, cutting up the meat for sacrifices, removing ashes from the fire, burning the portions of the animals not used in the sacifice were all hard work! Yet the priests were required to do that work. So it was understood that they were excepted from profaning the sabbath for the work which they were doing!
The specific law for the priests to offer up all of the sacrifices of the nation superceded the general law of no work on the sabbath. The specific law has precedence over a general law. Thank you, LORD, for your wisdom!
Some of the principles of wisdom are what we are considering. How can I make decisions that will keep me in favor with God and man in all circumstances? Today's principle is specificity. A specific instruction overrides a general rule or law.
Here is an example from our Lord's ministry that we used earlier, but this time a different lesson is taught. The disciples picking corn on the sabbath day and eating it is the situation. The Pharisees are questioning their doing work on the sabbath day. And our Lord uses a different principle to correct the Pharisees with and defend His disciples.
As we all know, no work was to be done on the sabbath day. But sacrifices were to be brought to the Tabernacle and later the Temple daily. Tending to the fire on the altar, cutting up the meat for sacrifices, removing ashes from the fire, burning the portions of the animals not used in the sacifice were all hard work! Yet the priests were required to do that work. So it was understood that they were excepted from profaning the sabbath for the work which they were doing!
The specific law for the priests to offer up all of the sacrifices of the nation superceded the general law of no work on the sabbath. The specific law has precedence over a general law. Thank you, LORD, for your wisdom!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wisdom Principles - Intent
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Mark 2:27
Wisdom, knowing what is the proper thing to do in any situation. The Bible is our guide to wisdom. It shows us many principles to guide us in determining what is the right thing to do.
What appears on the surface is not necessarily all there is to a thing. An iceberg is 90% under the water. And so it is with some of God's laws. We need to go deeper than the surface to determine what is the intent of that law.
The context to this verse is Jesus and His disciples using the materiality concept we discussed yesterday. They were traveling down the road and going through a farmer's field, picking ears of corn to eat as they went because they were hungry (vs. 23). The Pharisees called them into question on this, not because they were taking corn from someone's field, for they knew Deuteronomy 23, but because they were doing this on the Sabbath day (vs. 24). And Moses' law said that Israelites were not to work on the Sabbath day.
Jesus comes right back and pointed to a situation where David, running for his life from Saul's men sent to kill him, took the Shew Bread from the Tabernacle for he and his men to eat. The law of Moses said that the Shew Bread was only for the priests to eat. David was from Judah's tribe, not Levi's, so he could not eat of it! But David knew that the saving of life was more important than keeping ceremonial restrictions (see 1Sam 21:3-6). And based on that example, Jesus applied the same reasoning to declare that the Sabbath had been instituted for man's good and blessing. So doing necessary work to eat on the Sabbath was acceptable in God's sight.
More to the point, the LORD had stated the purpose of the Sabbath when He gave it - for rest (Exodus 23:12). It was the Pharisees that had forgotten the intent and turned it into an purely ceremonial observance. Let us be wise men who know the intent of God's instructions for our lives. Then we will be equipped to make wise judgments!
Mark 2:27
Wisdom, knowing what is the proper thing to do in any situation. The Bible is our guide to wisdom. It shows us many principles to guide us in determining what is the right thing to do.
What appears on the surface is not necessarily all there is to a thing. An iceberg is 90% under the water. And so it is with some of God's laws. We need to go deeper than the surface to determine what is the intent of that law.
The context to this verse is Jesus and His disciples using the materiality concept we discussed yesterday. They were traveling down the road and going through a farmer's field, picking ears of corn to eat as they went because they were hungry (vs. 23). The Pharisees called them into question on this, not because they were taking corn from someone's field, for they knew Deuteronomy 23, but because they were doing this on the Sabbath day (vs. 24). And Moses' law said that Israelites were not to work on the Sabbath day.
Jesus comes right back and pointed to a situation where David, running for his life from Saul's men sent to kill him, took the Shew Bread from the Tabernacle for he and his men to eat. The law of Moses said that the Shew Bread was only for the priests to eat. David was from Judah's tribe, not Levi's, so he could not eat of it! But David knew that the saving of life was more important than keeping ceremonial restrictions (see 1Sam 21:3-6). And based on that example, Jesus applied the same reasoning to declare that the Sabbath had been instituted for man's good and blessing. So doing necessary work to eat on the Sabbath was acceptable in God's sight.
More to the point, the LORD had stated the purpose of the Sabbath when He gave it - for rest (Exodus 23:12). It was the Pharisees that had forgotten the intent and turned it into an purely ceremonial observance. Let us be wise men who know the intent of God's instructions for our lives. Then we will be equipped to make wise judgments!
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