Samuel‘s prophecies of the troubles that will come with an earthly rulerfall on deaf ears. God ultimately decides that if a king is what the peoplewant, then that is what they will get, with no turning back. - P48
In truth,
the notion of a monarchy itself is not the main issue here. God still hasamazing plans for Israel, and He will carry them out regardless of theirsystem of government. - P48
The problem is when fallen human beings placetheir trust in sinful people and broken systems that promise so muchbut always fail to deliver. - P48
Let us learn from the Israelites and ensure thatour greatest hope is in the kingdom of God and our highest allegianceis to Christ. - P48
"If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make nodifference what you have chosen instead."- William Law - P48
Lord Jesus, You are the true ruler of heaven and earth! Help me to patientlyendure the fallen systems that exist, which are still upheld by Your sovereignpower. - P49
May I seek first Your kingdom and righteousness until you come again.
In Your name, amen. - P49
5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said tothe servant who was with him, "Come, let‘s go back, ormy father will stop thinking about the donkeys and startworrying about us." 6 But the servant replied, "Look, inthis town there is a man of God; he is highly respectedand everything he says comes true. Let‘s go there now.
Perhaps he will tell us what way to take." - P50
12 "He is," they answered. "He‘s ahead of you. Hurrynow; he has just come to our town today, for the peoplehave a sacrifice at the high place. 13 As soon as you enter
the town, youwill find him before he goes up to thehigh place to eat. The people will not begin eating untilhecomes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward,
those who are invited will eat. Go up now; you shouldfind him about this time." - P51
Saul, the son of Kish, is handsome and tall. When Kish loses his donkeys, Saulis sent out to look for them, but he does not find them. - P51
His servant suggeststhat they go and see a man of God in the town who might tell them whichway to go. They meet Samuel as he makes his way up to the high place tobless the sacrifice of the people. - P51
When we first meet Saul, his circumstances are rather ordinary. He isa noble young man, diligently taking care of his father‘s business, andwhen he is faced with a dilemma, he follows the suggestion of his ser-proposes that they seek the counsel of a man of God-Samuel. - P52
In the kingdom of God, simple things like having a hardworkingattitude and seeking instruction from godly advisers have great value.
- P52
These basic dispositions of the heart please God, and, when cultivatedand refined, propel us into becoming mature believers that reflect thecharacter of Christ. - P52
As we grow in our faith and face greater challengesalong the journey, let us never forget about the fundamental things thatmatter to God most. - P52
In my years of walking with God, He has called me on countlessadventures far outside my comfort zone. - P53
He has sent me on missiontrips to places that had none of the conveniences I was used to. He hascalled me into situations where I had to deny myself instead of indulg-ing my selfish desires. - P53
He has sent me to be a listening ear to otherswhen I would much rather spend a quiet evening alone. - P53
And likeBilbo, I would often wish I was back in my room where everythingis familiar instead of in uncomfortable situations, having awkwardconversations with people I barely know.
- P53
But through those discomforts, my friendship with God and Hispeople has flourished to a degree that no earthly comfort can produce.
- P53
When God calls you out of your comfort zone, do not miss out onthe opportunity. It will certainly be challenging, but the rewards willbe beyond your expectations. - P53
Father, thank you for teaching me how to live. As I grow in grace and matureas a Christian, I pray that You would help me remember and re-engage thosefundamental
attitudes that reflect a heart of submission toward You. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P53
Dagon was originally a Semitic deity, adopted by the Philistines after theyinvaded Canaan. We have records of Dagon dating to the third dynasty of Urin the twenty-fifth century BC. Dagon was very popular among the Amoritesand Assyrians. - P15
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