Submit to His Lordship

Growing up in a Baptist home, the son of a cop and the grandson of a German oil refinery worker, I knew all about authority. Mostly I came to know how to respect and submit to it. In our culture, authority is ascribed through various means; position, wealth, title, seniority. It can also come by birth, education, knowledge and experience. However, none of these qualities can guarantee good leadership - just that we may need to submit to someone who ends up in a position of authority over us. How then do we conduct ourselves? The Bible, in 1 Samuel, gives us a good example.

The book of 1 Samuel describes a common picture of royalty and servitude. Specifically, the relationship between King Saul and David, the son of Jessie. Here we see how David, a Shepherd boy, faithfully served King Saul in many different capacities. The Bible tells us that David became so respected, that King Saul became jealous and developed a consuming desire to kill him. In the story, not only did David serve his King well but he did nothing worthy of death nor did he ever lose the perspective of who Saul was. Twice David had the opportunity to kill the King in his sleep but, he never raised his hand against, "God's elect". (1 Samuel 24:6-7, 1 Samuel 26:8-9) He never plotted revenge nor tried to undermine Saul's kingdom. On the contrary, David went out and came back, in the King's name and always sought peace with Saul.

Throughout most of Saul's reign, he made decisions in his own strength and of his own free will, not submitting to the King of Kings. Had Saul listened to the instruction of the prophet Samuel and submitted to the Lordship of his heavenly father, the hand of God would have been with him and his kingdom. (1 Samuel 13:13-14, 1 Samuel 28:17-18) Tragically however, he did not.

How often do we try and do things in our own strength? As Christians we need to remember who is the true authority in our lives and submit to His lordship. My exhortation for you today is to; be still, be in His word, listen for His small voice guiding your heart and mind through your path in this life.

The Truth
"Blessed is the man who delights in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whoes leaf will not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." (Psalms 1:1-3)

Peoples Choice

There are many titles/positions, in our society, that are left
in the hands of the people to choose. These choices govern and
rule our land. If man has proven anything throughout his history,
it is - that he can not govern justly nor without impartiality.

In the days of Samuel, Israel had prophets, priests, judges and
God was their King. As Samuel became advanced in years and his
sons proved they did not walk as their father did, the elders
requested of Samuel, "a man" for a king. (1 Samuel 8:4-5)

Up until this time, Israel had been a theocracy and God was the
leader of the nation. Despite repeated warnings of the repercussions
of their request and although it was not in His plan for them, God
gave His people what they wanted, a man as king. (1 Samuel 10:17-24)

Saul then, became the first king of Israel, the peoples choice. The
Bible describes him as a "goodly" man, handsome, strong, brave,
tall - head and shoulders above any of the people. He seemed to be
a perfect choice to lead them. When Samuel presented Saul before
the people at Mizpah, they shouted their acceptance, "long live
the king!" (1 Samuel 10:24)

The problem is, man looks only on the outside (appearance) while
God looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) It wasn't long before Saul
set himself above God and he began to make decisions, out of God's
will. These decisions had a rippling effect on his family, his
country, his rule and eventually his life. Don't make the same
mistake of leaving God out of your decisions.

The Truth
" Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct
your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

New Beginnings

Beginning a new year is always a time of reflection. Looking back over the past and resolving to make changes in the future. Generally those changes center around something we would like to improve upon or a habit we would like to change. People often take stock of their lives and vow to; become a better person, stop drinking or doing drugs, become a better husband or wife.

These are all good and noble resolutions. The problem is, most of us just can’t brake our old habits or nature, in our own power. We are a product of thousands of decisions, made in our own free will over time. Each decision, has strengthen us into the person we are and has hardened us into our current state. We need help - We need to be freed up - We need, forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Paul also tells us in Ephesians 5:17-24 that being a new creation, we should, “no longer desire to involve ourselves in the former conduct but, to be renewed in the spirit of our minds.”

Meaning, no matter what we have done, no matter how bad we have messed up, God will forgive us and we can then move forward into a new beginning in Christ, through His Word and guided by His Spirit. Happy New Year!

The Truth
“For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light.” (Ephesians 5:8)