King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Friday, April 12, 2024
Chapters: I Samuel Chapters 15-16
Message: A Vessel of Honor or Dishonor
Hello My Friend,
I never thought of God as having a three strikes and you are out kind of rule in regards to sin, but I guess that depends on the sin or perhaps the example that He decides to set. Take Adam and Eve for instance, they only had one strike against them, but that one act of disobedience caused death upon all mankind. How God deals with each and every one of us boils down to this, we will either become a vessel of honor or dishonor, [Romans 9:21-23 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,]
Saul, was the first king of Israel, chosen by God Himself because of his faith and faithfulness to Him. When Samuel first came to him he did not even know the Law, but as soon as he was anointed to be king, he not only received the Holy Spirit, he was able to understand the Law and well on his way to becoming a vessel of honor. However, something happened after two years since his reign, he became arrogant and proud, even taking things into his own hands when he offered up ceremonial sacrifices to God. Perhaps it was because Samuel was the last judge of Israel as well as a prophet and priest and thought that he could be the same way. As we continue in the reading of 1 Samuel, God, is giving Saul the opportunity to turn make things right by an order to execute the Amalekites.
[1 Samuel 15:1-3,7-9 Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. 2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. 7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. 8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.]
[utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not;] Saul, was to take out the entire nation, man, woman, child, and even all the livestock. Why? This goes back to their Exodus, [Exodus 17:8-9,13-14 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.]
[But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep,] We could ask ourselves why God have such a harsh command, but they were reprobates years ago and nothing changed. We need to understand that even a child is subject to hell once they realize that they are a sinner, it is called the age of accountability. While infants, toddlers, and little children are safe they are still taught from birth what to believe and therefore, subject to the same punishment as their parents unless they somehow by the power of God were adopted into a Godly family.
[Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.]
Well, this was strike three for Saul, if the man that was anointed as king could not follow God’s commands, how were the people going to? The once vessel of honor was turning in one quite dishonorable, and as far as God was concerned, He was done with him being king. In fact, He repented that He even made Saul king.
[1 Samuel 15:11,13-15 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.]
[to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God;] First of all, when God repents that means that He has grieved Himself over the person or people that He had changed His mind about. Second, instead of just admitting that he messed up, Saul, blames the men for bringing back the livestock. And Third, he makes things worse by saying that the livestock was to be used for God. These were likely animals used for the sacrificing to their idols so naturally God would not accept them. In fact, Samuel goes on to tell this to Saul.
[1 Samuel 15:19-23 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? 20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. 22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.]
[Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD,] You kind of feel bad for Saul, he really had no clue that what he was doing was wrong, but every time he was confronted he blamed someone else. God, is no different today than He was back than, all Saul had to do was admit that he sinned, and be sincere about it, then God would have at least forgiven him. This is a reminder that those who go against God’s Word ignorantly are no different than those who do so deliberately. This reminds me of this passage, [Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.]
[Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,] Salvation, is not a free ticket to live anyway one pleases with the promise of escaping hell, it is an opportunity to give honor and thanks to God for something that we could never do ourselves. Jesus, said this to the man whom He healed, [John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.]
Samuel, probably did what was one of the most saddest things that he ever had to do, and that was strip Saul of his title as being king. As Samuel walked away, Saul, reached for him, and ripped the edge of his clothes, and while he did admit that he sinned, God, was not buying his confession.
[1 Samuel 15:25-30,35 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. 26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. 27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. 28 And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. 29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. 30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God. 35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.]
[Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now,] You see, he was not sincere in his confession, had he been sincere then perhaps God would have reconsidered, but since he really saw no error in what he had done, God, would not accept his confession. It is not enough to confess our sins, we must be repentant if we want God to accept our confession, [Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.]
[nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul:] I can understand how Samuel felt, there is nothing more grieving on the spirit than to watch someone fall into the abyss of sin and get worse. The truth is this, those who receive Christ as their Saviour are anointed with the Holy Spirit and that makes living in sin very hard on the body, [Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.]
It is actually quite interesting to learn of how hard Samuel was taking this when at the beginning it grieved him even becoming the first king. Nevertheless, God, allowed Samuel to mourn for some time, but things needed to move forward, He literally commands him to get up and go anoint His next king.
[1 Samuel 16:1-5 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. 2 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. 3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. 4 And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? 5 And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.]
[And the elders of the town trembled at his coming,] Apparently, things had gotten so bad between Saul and Samuel that everyone feared either one of them coming into their town. Bethlehem, was a small town so the elders were naturally apprehensive at his arrival. Nevertheless, Samuel, assured them that he came in peace and actually sanctified Jesse’s sons before offering the sacrifice. However, first things first, Samuel must anoint the next king. One by one, Jesse’s sons stood before Samuel and in fact, when he saw Eliab, the first born, and just knew from his appearance that God was going to choose him, but it was not him. Sensing that Samuel was just looking at their physique, God points out that He was not choosing anyone based on their looks or stature.
[1 Samuel 16:6-7,10-12 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. 7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.]
[Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance,] [Ruddy; Of a red color; of a lively flesh color, or the color of the human skin in high health.] David, was a shepherd boy, and appeared to be a quite lively one at that, he was also very handsome and somewhat small in his physique. In fact, he was the complete opposite of Saul, and I imagine that he was quite fearless. The ones whom have Christ in their heart and are the most useful to Him have a healthy glow about them that shines through them like no other, and are often the least expected, [John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.]
Now, the strange thing about God is that when He calls someone it often comes with a challenge in order for them to become vessels of honor. Well, things only got worse for Saul after Samuel told him that God was taking the throne from him and giving it to another. God took His Spirit away from him, and now, another spirit plagued him.
[1 Samuel 16:13-16 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. 14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.]
[the Spirit of the LORD came upon David…But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul,] So, how was this possible? Jesus said it this way, [Matthew 12:43-45 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.]
While no true saved, born again person can lose their salvation there are some who play the part for a while until something happens that not only brings them to renounce their faith in Christ, they also become more wicked then they ever were. This was getting to be the case with Saul, and talk about someone getting thrown right into the fire pit so to speak, David, goes on to become Saul’s armor bearer when he was the only one to get rid of the evil spirit that oppressed Saul.
[1 Samuel 16:18-19,21-23 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. 19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. 21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. 23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.]
[that David took an harp…and the evil spirit departed from him.] That evil spirit is none other than Satan himself, and I am sure that what was troubling him was what he kept saying to him, something like, God had left him, does not love him anymore, and is taking his throne away from him. And that is exactly how people lose their faith in Christ, [Matthew 13:19-21 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [1 Samuel 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace, and for giving me eternal life, when I accepted Your Son as my Saviour alone. Thank You, Jesus, for taking my place on the cross, for dying for the sin that I am guilty of, and for giving me life beyond the grave. You paid the price for my sin, and for that reason I pray that all the things I am going through will turn me into a vessel of honor who will glorify You. Lord, Keep my heart tender and pure, watch over me, guide me, and keep me as the apple of Your eye. Teach me, discern me, grow me, and show me what to learn, follow, and teach so that I can be a vessel of honor. I love You, and ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2024 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.