Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 21, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 11-12. These chapters reveal the early days of Saul’s reign as king. Israel has never had a king before, therefore Saul has no palace, no military, and no job description. However, the new king is presented with an opportunity to grow as a leader, united the nation, and save an oppressed people. This story teaches us about leadership and the importance of following through on our commitments to the Lord.
Watch
Listen
Reflect
Read 1 Samuel 11 and Judges 19-21. We see the Israelites being threatened and oppressed by the Ammonite King Nahash in the city of Jabesh-gilead. When this message reached Saul, he sent a clear message to every tribe of Israel and told them to assemble for war. Marshall showed us why Saul sent his message the way he did by reminding us of what happened in Judges 19-21. Saul knew this would significantly impact the Israelites. We see the Israelites defeat the Ammonites and are then led into a renewal ceremony in Gilgal. Can you recall a time in your life when God delivered you from a season of struggle, trial or tribulation? What was your response to Him?
We were reminded today that while victories, renewals and rededications are great, what happens when a few days, weeks or months pass? Do we forget what God has done and then return to our old ways or sins? In the book of Judges, we see this cycle of sin, crying out to God, being delivered, experiencing freedom and then returning back to sin. Can you identify with this cycle?
Read 1 Samuel 12. Notice that Samuel takes inventory of his own life and then delivers a tough message to Israel. Like Samuel, we must take inventory of our own lives before we can help someone else who is in the midst of a sin struggle. Relationships need to be treated with great care. Kind words, quality time and caring gestures are like deposits. Tough conversations are like withdrawals. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any area in your relationships where you need to make more deposits or mend an offense.
We see Samuel deliver the tough message to Israel of the vicious cycle mentioned in the second paragraph above. The only way to stop this cycle is simple – Obey the Lord and you will be blessed, or reject Him and you will suffer the consequences. In what ways have you been blessed by obeying and following the Lord? In what ways have you suffered by your disobedience and lack of surrender?
There is good news! We don’t have to live in the cycle of unfaithfulness! Make the choice to end the cycle! Turn your heart to the Lord! Commit, stick with it, and don’t let the emotion of the moment be all there is! Choose to walk in His ways with ALL your heart! Pray and ask the Lord to renew your commitment to Him and give you the strength to be faithful!