November 24, 2009
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 31
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
They cut off his head and stripped off his armour, and they sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temple of their idols and among their people. [1 Samuel 31:9] Even though Saul was rejected by God as king of Israel, he remained the anointed one [as David himself recognized, 1 Samuel 24:6]. And as the Lord’s anointed, he is a veiled reflection of the coming Messiah (anointed one), who will also be beaten by, and mocked by, the powers of darkness.
But this is your hour–when darkness reigns. [Luke 22:53] It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS [Mark 15:25-26]. This sign, like the news proclaimed by the Philistines of Saul’s death, is the claim of victory by the powers of darkness. Evil has triumphed, hope is defeated. And yet, though this is the last chapter in 1 Samuel, there is still hope. God has raised David to carry the throne forward. And in this David is also a veiled reflection of the coming Messiah. Darkness seems to win, but ultimately God does. God raises the Son of David to defeat darkness through death, to open the way to the triumph of love and life over sin, death and hell.
Today’s reading shows us that in this life, darkness will often seem to win. They will flaunt their victory, they will taunt their captives, they will boast about their success. And God’s people will despair. Hope will be hard to hang on to. Faith will be stretched beyond imagination. Think of what it was like for Europeans under Hitler’s dictatorship. For 5 plus years darkness reigned, and with it despair. But God has His David in the wings. God has raised His David to carry the throne forward, even though it seems darkness reigns. The original David comes and rules for God; but he is still a flawed king, and he too dies. Can’t anyone beat the power of darkness. The line of kings continues, the people wait and hope, and sometimes despair.
And then, finally, the Messiah (anointed one) comes. This one too, is defeated by death, but only for the moment. This anointed one remains true to God, faithful and obedient (unlike David and Saul and all other kings). This one beats death [Acts 2:29-36]. Jesus is the ONLY hope of breaking through sin, death and hell! At times it may seem that darkness reigns, when despair is the only option. In those moments, fix your eyes on Jesus. He has defeated the darkness. He has opened the way to life and joy and peace.
PRAYER:
Lord, when it seems that darkness reigns, shine Your light in my heart, and give me hope.
Once again, Saul determines to take matters into his own hands – he kills himself. The fact that Saul does not cry out to God in such a desperate time reveals a lot about his ‘lack’ of faith and character, whom he puts or doesn’t put his hope and trust in.
LORD, may my relationship with You always be such that no matter how many times I falter or wander off, that I will always cry out to You when darkness closes in. I know LORD, that only You can save/rescue me. May others always witness that You are the One I place my hope and trust in; that I know You to be my God and place my life into Your hands only.
I lift my eyes up, to the heavens, where does my help come from? My help comes from You, Maker of heaven, Creator of the earth. Oh, how I need You LORD, You are my only hope, You’re my only prayer; so I will wait for You to come and rescue me; to come and give me life.
Thank You LORD that Your Light is always ready to shine brightly in the darkness of this world.
Though darkness oft seems so strong, God is the Ruler yet!
Saul lost all hope and took his own life. Those in darkness claimed the victory. Yet like the stump of Jesse, God already had promised a new light upon the road for His people – David. God takes care of His own. Even in our darkest hour, in our time of dispair when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is still here beside me. He even carries me along the Way. Hope in the Lord God. He is my Surety, my All in All! At all times I must have the upward look – my help comes from the Lord my God. In that power I walk this day He has created. Help me today to walk in Your Sonshine.
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.