Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 18.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+18&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“5 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered;  and Saul set him over the men of war.  And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

6 It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments.  7 The women sang as they played, and said,

“Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands.”

8 Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him;  and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands.  Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”  9 Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.

10 Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual;  and a spear was in Saul’s hand.  11 Saul hurled the spear for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.”  But David escaped from his presence twice.

12 Now Saul was afraid of David, for the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul.  13 Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand;  and he went out and came in before the people.  14 David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him.  15 When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him.  16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, and he went out and came in before them.”  1 Samuel 18:5-16.

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“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;  in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.”  Deuteronomy 30:15-16.

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it;  for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”  Joshua 1:8.

“So keep the words of this covenant to do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.”  Deuteronomy 29:9.

“2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:2-3.

“12 Who is the man who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
13 His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.”  Psalm 25:12-13.

“But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.”  Psalm 37:11.

“1 Praise the Lord!
How blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.
2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.”  Psalm 112:1-3.

“1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”  Psalm 127:1-2.

“25 The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.
26 He who withholds grain, the people will curse him,
But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.”  Proverbs 11:25-26.

“Adversity pursues sinners,
But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.”  Proverbs 13:21.

“An arrogant man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.”  Proverbs 28:25.

“‘They are fat, they are sleek,
They also excel in deeds of wickedness;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the orphan, that they may prosper;
And they do not defend the rights of the poor.”  Jeremiah 5:28.

“7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
8 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8.

So, what is a summary of these Scriptures?  How does one obtain prosperity?

Prosperity comes from meditating on God’s word.

Prosperity comes from trusting God.

Prosperity comes from being generous and providing for the needs of others.

Prosperity comes from defending the cause of the orphan and the poor.

Prosperity comes from being righteous.

Prosperity comes from fearing the LORD and delighting in His commandments.

Prosperity comes from being humble.

Prosperity comes from keeping God’s commandments.

But, ultimately, prosperity comes as a gift of God.  In today’s Scripture, we simply read “David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him.”  Verse 14.  We also read:  “… For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”  Psalm 127:2.

Reformed Doctrine always is humble, recognizing its natural condition of “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.

Reformed Doctrine trusts God and seeks grace from God and understands that the fountain of that grace is God’s “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.

Reformed Doctrine also understands that the means of that grace is “Limited Atonement”, the “L” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.   Canons of Dordt states in part:  “… the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father; that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death …”  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

Reformed Doctrine gladly receives that “Irresistible Grace”, the “I” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation knowing that it is needed to sincerely start to do the good things of meditating on God’s word, trusting God, being generous and providing for the needs of others, defending the cause of the orphan and the poor, being righteous, fearing the LORD and delighting in His commandments, being humble, and keeping God’s commandments.

And, Reformed Doctrine perseveres in doing these good things only because God preserves us through “Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of  “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:32.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 17.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+17&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“4 Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.  5 He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze.  6 He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders.  7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him.  8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to draw up in battle array?  Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul?  Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.  9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants;  but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.”

…

26 Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel?  For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”

…

37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

…

41 Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.  42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him;  for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance.  43 The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?”  And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.  44 The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.”  45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.  46 This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you.  And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear;  for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”

48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.  49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead.  And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.

50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him;  but there was no sword in David’s hand.  51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.  When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.  52 The men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron.  And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron.”  1 Samuel Chapter 17:  Verses 4-9 and 26 and 37 and 41-52.

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Not only are we weak and unable to defeat the evil spiritual Goliath (Satan) in our life, we are dead in sin and we are hostile to God, more inclined to make the evil spiritual Goliath our friend, rather than our enemy.  Our natural condition is “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  (We are “dead” in sin.  Ephesians 2:1.    None of us understands, and none of us seeks God.  Romans 3:10-11.  We are hostile to God.  Romans 8:7 and Colossians 1:21.  We are in bondage to sin.  Romans 7:14-15.)

We do not need the god of some doctrine who stands by to help.

We need the God of Reformed Doctrine Who solely saves because there is no one to help.  “… “I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished and there was no one to uphold;  So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me.”  Isaiah 63:4-5.

“16 And He saw that there was no man,
And was astonished that there was no one to intercede;
Then His own arm brought salvation to Him,
And His righteousness upheld Him.
17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate,
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing
And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.
18 According to their deeds, so He will repay,
Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies;
To the coastlands He will make recompense.
19 So they will fear the name of the Lord from the west
And His glory from the rising of the sun,
For He will come like a rushing stream
Which the wind of the Lord drives.”  Isaiah 59:16-19.

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man;  though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”  Romans 5:6-10.

Salvation does not depend on man’s works or man’s wisdom or even man’s will.  Salvation depends entirely on the LORD.  “For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16.

“The LORD has bared His holy arm In the sight of all the nations, That all the ends of the earth may see The salvation of our God.”  Isaiah 52:10.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 16.

“1 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil and go;  I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.”  2 But Samuel said, “How can I go?  When Saul hears of it, he will kill me.”  And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’  3 You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you.”  4 So Samuel did what the Lord said, and came to Bethlehem.  And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?”  5 He said, “In peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.  Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.”  He also consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.”  7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him;  for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel.  And he said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.”  9 Next Jesse made Shammah pass by.  And he said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.”  10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.  But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”  11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?”  And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.”  Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him;  for we will not sit down until he comes here.”

12 So he sent and brought him in.  Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance.  And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him;  for this is he.”  13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers;  and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.  And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him.  15 Saul’s servants then said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you.  16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you.  Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp;  and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well.”  17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 Then one of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.”  19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David who is with the flock.”  20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul by David his son.  21 Then David came to Saul and attended him;  and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer.  22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”  23 So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand;  and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.”   1 Samuel Chapter 16.

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Sometimes, Scripture simply states its summary like “… And His sovereignty rules over all.”  Psalm 103:19.

Other times, like in today’s Scripture, Scripture will “only” lay out the historical events.  But, the reader should have more than an interest in the history.  The reader should ask himself:  “What does this Scripture of historical events teach us about God?  What lesson does God want to teach us in this Scripture?” 

Accordingly, we do see that God’s sovereignty rules over all in today’s Scripture.

God chose whom He wanted to be king.  And, God likewise chooses our leaders today.

God protected Samuel whom He sent on a mission.  And, God likewise protects us today.

God looked into the hearts of Jesse’s sons.  And, God likewise looks into our hearts today.  “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;  for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.”  Luke 21:34-35.

God filled David mightily with His Spirit.  And, God likewise fills us mightily with His Spirit today.

God terrorized Saul with an evil spirit.  And, God likewise sends fear into His enemies today.

God arranged for David, His chosen king, to attend to Saul and experience what it would like to be king to prepare him for the future.  And, God arranges for us to experience things today that will prepare us for the future.

God caused Saul to favor David.  “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;  He turns it wherever He wishes.”  Proverbs 21:1.  And, God causes our employers, co-workers, clients, and others to favor us today.

In summary, God brought Saul low, and God exalted David.  We are reminded of the following summary Scripture about God’s sovereignty.

“6 “The Lord kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 “The Lord makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
8 “He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
And He set the world on them.
9 “He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.
10 “Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”  1 Samuel 2:6-10.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 15.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+15&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“17 Samuel said (to Saul), “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel?  And the Lord anointed you king over Israel, 18 and the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.’  19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord?”

20 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” 22 Samuel said,

“Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has also rejected you from being king.”  1 Samuel 15:17-23.

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Like Saul, we may go through life thinking that we are good enough and that God is blessing us.  We are destroying most of the Amalekites (symbol for evil) in our life.  We appear righteous to others who treat us like a king.  We worship and are prosperous.  We even go on mission trips for God.  In summary, we are pleased with ourselves and our goodness and our free-will to obey God.  But, God is not pleased.

Saul did not get credit for his 99% obedience, because he utterly destroyed all the Amalekites except Agag the king of the Amalekites.  Verse 8.

And, we do not get credit for 99% obedience even if everyone else thinks we are perfect little angels.

Saul did not get credit for his 99% obedience, because he utterly destroyed everything that was “despised and worthless”.  Verse 8.

And, we do not get credit for 99% obedience, because we utterly destroyed everything that was “despised and worthless”.

Saul did not get credit for using that best 1% that he saved for use in a sacrifice for God.  Verse 21.

And, we do not get credit for 99% obedience, because we saved that best 1% for use in a sacrifice for God.  See, for example, Mark 7:9-11.

Today’s Scripture teaches us that 99% obedience is simply disobedience.  Obedience is only 100% obedience, not over 50% obedience, not even 99% obedience.  See Galatians 3:10. 

Our LORD is a perfect “Holy, Holy Holy” God Who will not tolerate sin.

Our only “chance” for salvation is the 100% obedience of Christ.  “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.”  Romans 5:19.

So, how do we gain credit for that 100% obedience of Christ? 

Our works did not put us in Christ.  Our obedience did not put us in Christ.  Our wisdom did not put us in Christ.  Not even our will put us in Christ.  “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

In sharpest contrast with other doctrine, Reformed Doctrine knows that God is certainly not pleased with us and most humbly pleads our “Total Depravity”.

In sharpest contrast with other doctrine, Reformed Doctrine does not cling to our own goodness and our own alleged free-will to obey God, but rather Reformed Doctrine only boasts in the LORD and only clings only to the goodness of God and the will of God to save according to His terms of salvation summarized in “TULIP” which are “Unconditional Election”, “Limited Atonement”, “Irresistible Grace”, and “Preservation of the Saints”.

In briefest summary, Reformed Doctrine understands and knows the LORD of Scripture “who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth”, because He delights in these things.  See Jeremiah 9:23-24.  With great hope and delight and trust, Reformed Doctrine quotes this LORD Who states:  “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:27.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 14.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+14&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“1 Now the day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.”  But he did not tell his father.  2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron.  And the people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the Lord at Shiloh, was wearing an ephod.  And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.  4 Between the passes by which Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp crag on the one side and a sharp crag on the other side, and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north opposite Michmash, and the other on the south opposite Geba.

6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised;  perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.”

…

14 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land. 15 And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people.  Even the garrison and the raiders trembled, and the earth quaked so that it became a great trembling.

16 Now Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away;  and they went here and there.  17 Saul said to the people who were with him, “Number now and see who has gone from us.”  And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.  18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.”  For the ark of God was at that time with the sons of Israel.  19 While Saul talked to the priest, the commotion in the camp of the Philistines continued and increased;  so Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”  20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle;  and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion.  21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.  22 When all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, even they also pursued them closely in the battle.  23 So the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven.

…

47 Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, the sons of Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines;  and wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment.  48 He acted valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them.

…

52 Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul;  and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff.”  1 Samuel Chapter 14:  Verses 1-6 and 14-23 and 47-48 and 52.

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“Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.”  Verse 6.

Although both were valiant warriors, we see the contrast in today’s Scripture between Jonathan and Saul.  Jonathan acted with the few, and he took only his armor bearer to fight the Philistines.  Saul acted with the many, and he numbered his people (verse 17), he took all the people with him to the battle (verse 20), he put all the people under an oath to not eat until he gained the victory (24), and he was constantly adding valiant men to his army (verse 48).

It is true that the LORD is not restrained to save by many, and the story of Gideon pops into our mind in which the LORD only used 300 men to gain a great victory.  “The Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’”  Judges 7:2.

We also think more generally of Zechariah 4:6:  “Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.

But, it is also true that the LORD is not restrained to save by the few, and we think of the wisdom stated in the Book of Proverbs.

“5 A wise man is strong,
And a man of knowledge increases power.
6 For by wise guidance you will wage war,
And in abundance of counselors there is victory.”  Proverbs 24:5-6.

So, how do we sum up a lesson from today’s Scripture if the LORD can act either way? 

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test”, but rather, you shall live “on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”.

“1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.  3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”  4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written,

‘He will command His angels concerning You’;

and

‘On their hands they will bear You up,
So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”  Matthew 4:1-7.

In conclusion, there are times when we should act in a way that some could label it as rash or premature, but God will clearly guide us in such times as He did with Gideon.  But, most of the time, we should act generally in the line of the wisdom of the Proverbs.  We should not put the LORD to the test and act foolishly just because He can gain the victory with few (or, so to speak, we should not try to jump across a canyon, just because God has the power to save us).  Rather, we should consider all of Scripture and consider that most of the time good things comes from wise actions and bad things come from foolish actions, but we should also specifically pray for wisdom from God believing that He will give it to us.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 13.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+13&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“5 Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance;  and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven.  6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits.  7 Also some of the Hebrews crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead.  But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

8 Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal;  and the people were scattering from him.  9 So Saul said, “Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.”  And he offered the burnt offering.  10 As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came;  and Saul went out to meet him and to greet him.  11 But Samuel said, “What have you done?”  And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,  12 therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the Lord.’  So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering.”  13 Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.  14 But now your kingdom shall not endure.  The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”   1 Samuel 13:5-14.

———————-

Like Saul, we may see our family and friends scattering from us and be tempted to give up or alter our worship practice.  But, we should be steadfast and be like Martha in the story of Lazurus.  Even though Jesus did not come when they called for Him when Lazarus was only sick, but Jesus only came after Lazarus had been dead four days, and although Mary stayed at the house, Martha went to meet Jesus and Martha believed in Jesus.

“1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.  2 It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.  3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”  4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”  5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  6 So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.  …  17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.  18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off;  19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.  20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.  22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”  23 Jesus *said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  24 Martha *said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”  25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life;  he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  27 She *said to Him, “Yes, Lord;  I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”  John 11:1-6 and 17-27.

If Jesus can resurrect a man who had been dead for four days, then Jesus can help us in any situation even when we think it is too late.

“And now, Lord, for what do I wait?  My hope is in You.”  Psalm 39:7.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.”  Psalm 42:5.

“23 O love the Lord, all you His godly ones!
The Lord preserves the faithful
And fully recompenses the proud doer.
24 Be strong and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the Lord.”  Psalm 31:23-24.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 12.  Here is a link to this chapter -https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+12&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“19 Then all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, so that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil by asking for ourselves a king.”  20 Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear.  You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.  21 You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile.  22 For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.  23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you;  but I will instruct you in the good and right way.  24 Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart;  for consider what great things He has done for you.  25 But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king will be swept away.”  1 Samuel 12:19-25.

——————–

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart;  for consider what great things He has done for you.”  Verse 24.

This is a theme that we see through Scripture, and we have seen it again in today’s Scripture.  “So now, take your stand, that I may plead with you before the Lord concerning all the righteous acts of the Lord which He did for you and your fathers.”  Verse 7.

How often does God’s Word remind us of the great things that He has done for us! 

“7 “Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of all generations.
Ask your father, and he will inform you,
Your elders, and they will tell you.
8 “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance,
When He separated the sons of man,
He set the boundaries of the peoples
According to the number of the sons of Israel.
9 “For the Lord’s portion is His people;
Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance.
10 “He found him in a desert land,
And in the howling waste of a wilderness;
He encircled him, He cared for him,
He guarded him as the pupil of His eye.
11 “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
That hovers over its young,
He spread His wings and caught them,
He carried them on His pinions.
12 “The Lord alone guided him,
And there was no foreign god with him.
13 “He made him ride on the high places of the earth,
And he ate the produce of the field;
And He made him suck honey from the rock,
And oil from the flinty rock,
14 Curds of cows, and milk of the flock,
With fat of lambs,
And rams, the breed of Bashan, and goats,
With the finest of the wheat—
And of the blood of grapes you drank wine.”  Deuteronomy 32:7-14.

“Who is wise?  Let him give heed to these things,
And consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord.”  Psalm 107:43.

Other doctrine helps us to consider our own works, our own wisdom, and our own will.

But, Reformed Doctrine helps us consider the great things of salvation that God has done for us in “TULIP” from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” through “Preservation of the Saints”. 

“9 Then all men will fear,
And they will declare the work of God,
And will consider what He has done.
10 The righteous man will be glad in the Lord and will take refuge in Him;
And all the upright in heart will glory.”  Psalm 64:9-10.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 11.

“1 Now Nahash the Ammonite came up and besieged Jabesh-gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant with us and we will serve you.”  2 But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “I will make it with you on this condition, that I will gouge out the right eye of every one of you, thus I will make it a reproach on all Israel.”  3 The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Let us alone for seven days, that we may send messengers throughout the territory of Israel.  Then, if there is no one to deliver us, we will come out to you.” 4 Then the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and spoke these words in the hearing of the people, and all the people lifted up their voices and wept.

5 Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?”  So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh.  6 Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry.  7 He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.”  Then the dread of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out as one man.  8 He numbered them in Bezek; and the sons of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah 30,000.  9 They said to the messengers who had come, “Thus you shall say to the men of Jabesh-gilead, ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will have deliverance.’”  So the messengers went and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.  10 Then the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good to you.”  11 The next morning Saul put the people in three companies;  and they came into the midst of the camp at the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day.  Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

12 Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is he that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’  Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” 13 But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has accomplished deliverance in Israel.”

14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come and let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.”  15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal.  There they also offered sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.”   1 Samuel Chapter 11.

———————–

As shocking as it is that Nahash the Ammonite intended to gouge out the right eye of every one in Jabesh-gilead, there are both earthly and spiritual enemies who intend to do far worse to us and who are far stronger.

“For I have heard the slander of many,
Terror is on every side;
While they took counsel together against me,
They schemed to take away my life.”  Psalm 31:13.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”  Ephesians 6:12.

Sometimes, we minimize our need for a Savior until we are confronted with such harm that are enemies really want to do to us as vividly presented in today’s Scripture. 

Do we really want a passive, weak god who bows down to the alleged free-will of man as some doctrine teach? 

Or, do we want Christ the King, the One and Only Sovereign and Almighty Savior of Scripture Who scatters and slays our enemies as Reformed Doctrine shows?  

“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”  Luke 19:27.

“2 The kings of the earth take their stand
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.                                                                                                                                       8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”  Psalm 2:2-9.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 10.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+10&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“17 Thereafter Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah;  18 and he said to the sons of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’  19 But you have today rejected your God, who delivers you from all your calamities and your distresses;  yet you have said, ‘No, but set a king over us!’  Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your clans.”

20 Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot.  21 Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken.  And Saul the son of Kish was taken;  but when they looked for him, he could not be found.  22 Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, “Has the man come here yet?”  So the Lord said, “Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.”  23 So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward.  24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen?  Surely there is no one like him among all the people.”  So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”

25 Then Samuel told the people the ordinances of the kingdom, and wrote them in the book and placed it before the Lord.  And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his house.  26 Saul also went to his house at Gibeah;  and the valiant men whose hearts God had touched went with him.  27 But certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?”  And they despised him and did not bring him any present.  But he kept silent.”  1 Samuel 10:17-27.

——————

There were things that happened in Israel, and things that happen for us today, that from time to time may make some wonder whether or not God is truly in control.

For examples, in today’s Scripture, we read puzzling things.  We read of Saul prophesying among the prophets (in the earlier part of the chapter that I did not quote).  We read the summary that the sons of Israel rejected God despite all the good that God did for them.  We read that God chose Saul to be their king.

We know that Saul later turned back from following God.  “Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.  …”  1 Samuel 15.10-11.  See 1 Samuel 15:10-27 for the lengthier explanation.

What is happening?

Although God could immediately uproot the wicked, He works out His plans over His chosen time frame, not our chosen time frame.  We are reminded of the parable of the wheat and the tares.

“Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.  But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away.  But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also.  The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field?  How then does it have tares?’  And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’  The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’  But he *said, ‘No;  for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them.  Allow both to grow together until the harvest;  and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up;  but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”  Matthew 13:24-30.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28.

Regarding these puzzling examples of the sons of Israel rejecting God and Saul their first king, we read later in Scripture a summary of how God did indeed work out His plans over His chosen time frame.  “Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.  After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’  From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,”  Acts 13:21-23.

So, when puzzling things confront us, let us be steadfast, trusting God.  God is the One Who upholds our heart!

“6 For he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be remembered forever.

7 He will not fear evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.”  Psalm 112:6-8.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel Chapter 9.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+9&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“3  Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to his son Saul, “Take now with you one of the servants, and arise, go search for the donkeys.”  4 He passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them.  Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there.  Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.

5 When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, and let us return, or else my father will cease to be concerned about the donkeys and will become anxious for us.”  6 He said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor;  all that he says surely comes true.  Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.”

…

“15 Now a day before Saul’s coming, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel saying, 16 “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over My people Israel;  and he will deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines.  For I have regarded My people, because their cry has come to Me.”  17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you!  This one shall rule over My people.”  18 Then Saul approached Samuel in the gate and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”  19 Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer.  Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is on your mind.  20 As for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found.  And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel?  Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?”  21 Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?  Why then do you speak to me in this way?”

22 Then Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the hall and gave them a place at the head of those who were invited, who were about thirty men.  23 Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion that I gave you, concerning which I said to you, ‘Set it aside.’” 24 Then the cook took up the leg with what was on it and set it before Saul.  And Samuel said, “Here is what has been reserved!  Set it before you and eat, because it has been kept for you until the appointed time, since I said I have invited the people.”  So Saul ate with Samuel that day.

25 When they came down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof.  26 And they arose early;  and at daybreak Samuel called to Saul on the roof, saying, “Get up, that I may send you away.”  So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street.  27 As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you.”  1 Samuel Chapter 9:  Verses 3-6 and 15-27.

———————–

Saul was only looking for his father’s donkeys.  Samuel was looking for Israel’s first king.

Like Saul, we go through life focused so many times on so many minor things, but there is so much more in store for us.

On Easter, I thought a lot about my special Easter devotion, particularly the resurrection of the body.  “But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;  but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:54-57.

I like that focus on the future.  I like that focus on “the things above”.

When I was in my early 20’s, I also thought about the future.  I remember considering whether to go to law school closer to my home in Michigan (in the Chicago area) or in Florida.  I thought about how many people up north work hard their entire life just to be able to retire in Florida.  I thought:  “Why not get started with my work in Florida, so that I can live in Florida most of my life?!”

When I was in my late 40’s, I also thought about the future.  I remember thinking that I am not going to retire when I turn 65.  I planned on following my Dad’s example and working into my 70s if I could.  I would taper down the number of hours that I would work each week, but I would continue working as many years past 65 as I could.

When I was in my early 50s, I also thought about the future.  I remember worrying about being in a nursing home like my father who suffered from Alzheimer’s for years before his death.  But then, I saw what great care my Dad received from Hospice and I thought:  “There are people out there who really love taking care of the elderly and are genuinely so nice to them.”  I never worried again about being in a nursing home.

Also, in my early 50’s, I began to write these daily devotions.  I remember thinking that although there are a lot of good things that I can do, I don’t have time to do them all.  I need to choose the best thing for me to do.

And now, I am thinking about the resurrection of the body.

In summary, we may need to look for the donkeys in our life.  But, we should also think about the future.  Most importantly, we should set our mind on things above.  “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”  Colossians 3:1-4.