I am wondering if I have read this Bible before? Oh yes, hundreds of times.
Why is this so alive to me?
So fresh? So new? So engaging? So true?
Saul reigns for one year and doesn't do much to lead the people.
Meanwhile the Philistines are plotting to shut down Saul's defense---
Oh, the politic of the Philistines---preventing Israel from making weapons of war.
2nd Year comes...
Saul, in I Sam 13:8, waits 7 required days for Samuel the No-Show to come to Gilgal.
Saul panics and brings his own peace offering to God.
Looks good on paper. Bold. Religious. Sacrificial.
But, in God's book. Disobedient. Rebellious. Controlling.
Not a Priest. Not a Prophet. Just a man trying to Prove his Piety.
Do we look good to others but treat our husband, our children, our community like dirt?
Saul sounds the alarm and no one comes.
Speedily Scattering! Daringly Deserted!
Meanwhile, there is a holy trembling going on. I Sam 14:15
Do I feel the tremble in my life, in my circumstances? I do.
"He who made the heart knows how to make it tremble." M. Henry
And Jonathan responds to the trembling of God---
Let's go to the garrison. Maybe the LORD will work for us. I Sam 4:7
All Saul would do is attach himself to mighty men or,
Rather, attach them to his valiant strong staff. I Sam 14:52
People can look really good on the surface. At this point, Saul looks innocent enough.
What really stirs in a heart? We cannot judge the spirituality of an individual by raised hands, sincere voices, dedicated service, kind words ... and the list goes on. God sees our hearts this Easter weekend. Oh God, make our hearts tremble before you and what you are saying to each of us.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 99 ~ The LORD reigns, let the people tremble! We praise your Great and Terrible Name (RSV). We call on your name, just like Samuel did, a very long time ago (99:6). May we hear the trembling from You over the noise of this world.
BIOGRAPHICAL READING PLAN - Jonathan: I Samuel 14
OVERVIEW: I Samuel 13-14
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