2024_03_13 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- 1 Samuel 9 -11
King Saul. Israel’s first king. He started out humble and ended in huge failure. As we read in chapter 8 (the one before our weekly reading), the people were discontent and wanted to have a king like the other nations around them. There is nothing inherently wrong with kings or queens; in fact, God had said that one day Israel would have a king (see Genesis 3:5 and Deuteronomy 17:14-15), but the problem was that the people wanted a king for the wrong reasons. They thought having a king would give them more control over their lives and give them a sense of security. The idea of a king is similar to the idea of marriage. Being married is a good thing and something God wants for many of us. The problem comes when we think marriage is the pathway to having a happy, content, and fulfilling life. Instead of placing our dependence on God we assume control and make our own way. This is how a good thing can become a big problem. That is what happened to Israel. Saul was the picture of what they wanted – tall, handsome, and humble – but while he remained tall and handsome, he soon became proud, arrogant, demanding, and a failure.
Whenever we insist or demand anything from God there should be red lights flashing on the dashboard of our minds. God always knows what is best for us, and even if we can’t see how He will provide everything we need at the right time if we will patiently trust and wait. The Bible reminds us of this in both principles and promises. Here’s an example:
5“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”
Proverbs 3:5–10 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor