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WHOSE WILL IS IT? (19 OF 52)

by Christopher Harbin

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:36-46
This content is part of a series.


Whose Will Is It? (19 of 52)
Series: Discipleship Part Three
Christopher B. Harbin
1 Samuel 14: 36-46


We are often quick to determine something as God's will for our lives, attribute a plan or a dream to God, or share with someone how God has spoken to us. Often as not, we might be a little hasty in making those claims. If we are not careful, our plans, our ideas, and dreams wind up being too rushed and only disguised as coming from God, despite dousing them in religious language. Is it too difficult to take the time to make sure the new idea before us is indeed God's?

Saul was new to the whole notion of being king. Well, actually, all of Israel was new to the idea. He had just been anointed as king and was only beginning to feel his way into the position placed in his hands. The writer of Samuel is especially clear about one thing. Saul was not one to belabor an idea to death or treat life with faithful and confident patience. He felt pressure to act decisively. More often than not, he did so without considering the consequences of his reactions.

When Samuel did not arrive on the day specified to seek Yahweh's blessing on a looming battle, Saul became anxious. The men who had answered his call to arms were getting antsy. Some grumbled about waiting for Samuel to arrive. Some were returning home. Saul feared he would lose his army. In confusion and desperation, he took over the priestly responsibilities to sacrifice for entreating Yahweh's blessings on the battles before them.

This was a response out of fear. It was designed to retain the attention of those who had answered the call to arms. This reaction flowed out of Saul's insecurities over being established as Israel's military leader. It was a course of action taken from uncertainty, not confidence. In so doing, he positioned himself as something other than a strong and effective leader. He took on the role of a man grasping at straws and relying on something other than confidence in God's dir ...

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