Day 132

1 Samuel 12:1–13:23; John 7:1-30; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4

YESTERDAY WE FOUND Saul hiding in the baggage at his own coronation. This revealed that Saul had a genuine fear of what people thought about him, a fear that had the potential to negatively color his decision making and leadership. In today’s reading, we saw this fear again —to great consequence.

The Israelites now had a king, and they expected that king to begin delivering them from oppression —especially from the Philistines. Saul’s son Jonathan had stirred the hornet’s nest by attacking a Philistine garrison, and the Philistines brought a horde to retaliate and crush Israel.

Samuel told Saul to wait for him in Gilgal so that God could be invited to battle for his people, but after waiting an entire week, the Israelite army became terrified and began deserting Saul. So Saul decided to offer the sacrifice himself, a choice that cost him greatly. Samuel arrived as Saul was finishing and confronted him over his foolishness.

In his own defense, Saul said, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the LORD’s help!’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came” (1 Samuel 13:11-12).

Saul’s fear of circumstance and reputation cost him dearly. The kingdom was stripped from him in today’s reading. It wouldn’t happen immediately, but the damage was done. And we’re given another clear view of what happens when our identity is carried by the tide of public opinion.

Our reading from Proverbs told us, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).

Notice that the proverb doesn’t say that gentle words can make you feel kind of good —they are “a tree of life”! It doesn’t say a deceitful tongue makes you feel a little bad —it “crushes” you! Clearly, the words we speak hold great weight in the Kingdom of God, for they have the power to be a tree of life —or to crush. Take some time to reflect on the language you use. Is it healing or crushing you and those around you?

WORSHIP:

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! . . . For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.