The Marvelous Message

 In 1 Samuel 14, when everyone else was waiting in fear over what the Philistine army would do, Saul's son, Jonathan courageously fought against another enemy garrison, killing over twenty men. Soon after, an earthquake caused the Philistines to fall into mass confusion and they started fighting each other! As the chaos ensued, Saul slowly realized that the battle had shifted in Israel's favor and ended up leading his army once more to battle.  How many people are like this as well? Conditions must be right before they will step out in boldness . We may demean the apostle Peter's faith for losing sight of the Savior and sinking in the sea, but at least he was willing to get out of the boat even while there was a storm brewing!  If we only move ahead when we see see clear skies and a beautiful path, we will not go very far. I am not advocating foolhardiness in the Christian walk, but I am encouraging trust in the midst of hardships and bold faith when everything may...

Saul was not always that jealously vicious king children often hear about in Sunday school. At one time, he was humble, perceptive, and bold. Yet, because he made a foolish and hasty decision to offer an unlawful sacrifice to the Lord, Samuel prophesied that Saul would ultimately lose his throne to another (1 Samuel 13). Many conjectures may be made over what went on in Saul's mind once he realized the gravity of his brash decision, but the fact is that instead of fully repenting over his sin, he let the wound fester by allowing doubt and bitterness lodge in his heart. After Samuel's rebuke, Saul camped out in Gibeah with only six hundred men. They were a ragtag team with little weapons and dampened spirits. It is not known whether Saul was planning an attack, standing his ground, or simply hiding from the Philistines. What is certain is that his son, Jonathan, would manifest heroic bravery and unflinching faith. In 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan chooses to fight instead of sit idl...

One night I dreamed of a massive crowd aimlessly wandering through an empty town I tried to stop several people as they passed by But they paid me no heed, as If deaf and blind Finally I happened upon a somber, yet curious lad He asked me, “What brings you to the Town of Misled?” I said, “I'm not sure how I got here, nor for what reason.” “Well then” The boy smirked without hesitation “You're in good company alright, for we are all met with the same plight. Our vision is impaired, our understanding is empty. Indeed we are stuck in endless mediocrity.” Once more I looked around at all the hollow expressions Then stared back at the tattered boy with deep compassion “What can I do to help you and all of these poor souls? Perhaps some money for food, a strong education, and fine clothes?” The boy began to cry, while shaking his head “You don't get it sir, we already have plenty we possess. Our needs lie not in material wealth and f...

It was too late for the Israelites to retreat. The Philistines had quickly amassed a massive army that wanted only one thing: revenge over Saul's son destroying one of their garrisons in Geba. (1 Samuel 13). At the time, Saul's plan seemed to go off without a hitch. Because of the Philistines defeat in Geba, many Israelites were thrilled and appeared eager to join the cause. Saul rallied troops in Gilgal, reminding them that they had no other choice but to fight for their lives. Emotions were high. It was an exiting time indeed, until word spread over how strong, swift, and merciless the retribution of the Philistines would be. Fear cut through the Israelites passionate hearts like butter and instead of fighting with dignity, many hid in cowardice among caves and thick brush. Some even weaseled their ways into tombs and wells! King Saul remained in Gilgal with a terrified and dwindling army. He remembered that the prophet Samuel told him to wait for him for seven days and ...

It most certainly seemed surreal to Saul, when he was anointed to be king of Israel. He was just a young, common man who only stuck out because of his height. Yet, one day he's sent to look for his father's stubborn donkeys and the next he's commissioned to become Israel's first king. Just a month after he was crowned, he found himself leading an army against the Ammonites to rescue a nearly defenseless city called Jabesh-Gilead. Hardly anyone expected Saul to come to their aid, but that is just what he did. In heroic boldness, he stood up for the little guys and made their bullies flee in terror (1 Samuel 11)! After the victory, Saul humbly declared,  “...today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel!”  (Vs. 13) He knew that their triumph truly came from the mighty hand of God. Before this battle, there were many who were reluctant to claim Saul as their king, but afterwards, they proudly and publicly acknowledged him as the ruler of Israel. In time, ...