November 2, 2009
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: ‘About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me.’ [1 Samuel 9:15-16] Sometimes God gives us a glimpse to His behind-the-scenes work. He had set things up so that Saul would be looking for his donkeys, and would meet Samuel. This highlights the mystery of how God directs our freedom of choice for His purposes. He does not make people do things against their will; He doesn’t force them to act contrary to their desire. But He does guide and direct their character and their choices, to bring about His own purpose. He raises up Saul to deliver His people from the Philistines, to have mercy on them in their trial.

Sometimes our ideas about God’s absolute sovereignty result in making God responsible for our sinful choices. Think of Judas, who betrayed Jesus: The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him. [Luke 22:22] God ordains Jesus to be betrayed, but woe to Judas for betraying Him. Does this seem fair? God picks Saul to lead Israel, then rejects him for rebellion; didn’t God know he would do this? Our simple minds cannot grasp this: either God is sovereign and controls everything, including sin – or He is not, and He cannot force us to do fulfill His purpose.

It seems to me that the answer lies in the tension between these two poles, and that they cannot simply be explained. God works behind the scenes, arranging the details of 1 Samuel 9. He doesn’t force people to act contrary to their own desire or character. Rather, He knows our character and guides our choices to His outcome. Judas loved money more than God, Jesus or the kingdom. God knew that. Judas had a choice, he was tempted, he gave in. Likewise, Saul had choices, he was tempted, he too gives in.

Its not God’s fault that we sin, but thankfully He doesn’t allow our sin to have its full impact. If God did not restrain our sin, we would not be here. This world would have ended centuries ago. But God is at work behind the scenes. He has seen the misery of His children and is doing His part to restore His kingdom paradise. We have a choice: join with Him, or go our own way. One way leads to life, the other to death. God is directing the circumstances of my day today. Nothing will happen to me by chance. But in every situation, I have a choice. Will I move closer to God, or will I turn my back on Him and His way. The choice is mine.

PRAYER:
Lord, lead me not into temptation, but help me not to choose it either!