Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 14:18, 23, 35, 37, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 14:18, 23, 35, 37, 45

"And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven"

And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not."

So much going on in this chapter and the confusion is actually Saul and his actions and commands. Frankly they are confusing, but there are points being made. Saul calls for the ark, but doesn't use it. It reminds me of Eli and his sons. Why do you call for something if you shouldn't in the first place? He builds an altar, but a point is made in the story that this is the first one he has built unto the Lord. He prays to God for counsel and God doesn't answer him. His command that would have his son Jonathan killed for not obeying, because the son was actually doing God's will at the time and didn't hear it, was stopped from happening by the people. They won't follow Saul in this. He's lost the confidence in not only the people, but also by God.

I asked myself what is this trying to tell me is the issue with Saul? I think it comes down to who's will are you trying to serve. Is it God's or his own? At great risk to himself Jonathan did God's will. With Saul he seems to be going through the motions to appear he is religious and after God's will, but his motivation seems to be pride and how he will look in the eyes of others. He is not on the same page with God. Saul is an example of what happens when we don't relinquish control to God and seek his will. We experience unnecessary confusion, and make foolish decisions that complicate our lives.

Day 2409