Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 19:11-24. Here is a link to this Scripture – 1 Samuel 19 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway
I quote only the following verses.
“Now David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed in Naioth. It was told Saul, saying, “Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.” Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, “Where are Samuel and David?” And someone said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. He also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 19:18-24.
————
“… the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied.” Verse 20.
Why would God send His Spirit to the messengers of Saul and to Saul himself so they would prophesy, in a total of three separate occasions, particularly considering that they were trying to kill David?
Why did God chose Saul to be the first king of Israel rather than just start with David?
We do remember that God previously sent His Spirit on Saul so that he would prophesy, but that was part of the occasion of changing his heart and showing a sign that he (Saul) was to be king. See 1 Samuel 10:9-12.
But, today’s Scripture is more puzzling and mysterious.
Maybe, God wanted to demonstrate His sovereignty that right in the middle of Saul’s intent to kill David that He could cause both the messengers of Saul and Saul himself to prophesy. God can even work in people who are doing evil to accomplish His purpose.
“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD;
He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1.
“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:4.
Consider the following from the Belgic Confession.
“Article 13: Of Divine Providence.
We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment: nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly. And, as to what he doth surpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire into, farther than our capacity will admit of; but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that we are disciples of Christ, to learn only those things which he has revealed to us in his Word, without transgressing these limits. This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father; who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under his power, that not a hair of our head (for they are all numbered), nor a sparrow, can fall to the ground, without the will of our Father, in whom we do entirely trust; being persuaded, that he so restrains the devil and all our enemies, that without his will and permission, they cannot hurt us. And therefore we reject that damnable error of the Epicureans, who say that God regards nothing, but leaves all things to chance.”
“For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.” Romans 9:17.
Whether or not this was God’s purpose (to demonstrate His sovereignty and show that He can even work in people who are doing evil to accomplish His purpose) in sending His Spirit to the messengers of Saul and Saul himself so they would prophesy, today’s Scripture leads us to generally meditate on the sovereignty of God.
We do not need to understand all mysteries. We do not need to understand God’s purpose in all of His actions in order to appreciate God’s sovereignty over all things and to trust Him.
Job, a righteous man, did not understand why God sent all the suffering to him. We may not understand why apparently bad things happen to good people.
“Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
3 “Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
5 Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?
6 “On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:1-7.
“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.
“But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3.
“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19.
“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.
“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. … We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” James 5:8 and 11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 