Pastor Bob DuPar
May 10, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 8:1-9:27; John 6:22-42; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 14:34-35.

Observation

How sad that even though Samuel followed God passionately his whole life, his sons “did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” (1 Sam. 8:3) 1 Samuel 9:6 says that Samuel was “a man of God, highly respected, and everything he says comes true.” How tragic that these godly traits were not passed on to his sons. God consoled Samuel: “It is not you they (Israel) have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.” (8:7)

Israel wanted to be like the other nations (root of their problem), “with a king to lead” them and go before them and fight their battles – not realizing and acknowledging that God was this King who had fought and won their battles for them all along. (8:19-20)

We remember all of the bad things about Saul, but we/I forget that “Saul was an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites.” (9:2) How humorous in 1 Samuel 9:3-27 that Saul goes looking for lost donkeys and finds a crown/throne. God works in mysterious ways!

I love John 6:28-29,

“Then the people asked Him (Jesus), ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

Psalm 106:43 has to be one of the saddest verses in all of Scripture (at least part of any top 10 list!):

“Many times He (God) delivered them (Israel), but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.”

Application

It’s only by the grace of God that our children follow our godly example. All of our desire and prayers can’t make them accept and own for themselves what they don’t ultimately want.

We know we’re headed for trouble when we start desiring the things that those around us have over and against what God wants for us.

We never know when God will choose to bless us; and, He is not limited to things visible.

Prayer

“God, help me to trust You at all times. May my heart not be bent on rebellion and sin. May I not seek my own rewards but rather trust in You to bless me as You see fit, and in Your perfect timing.”