THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Samuel 16-19
“Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul… (1 Samuel 16:14)
There are many references to God’s Spirit in this reading.
The Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully on David (16:13), but departs from Saul (16:14).
The Spirit of God comes on Saul and his men, and they prophesied (19:20,23).
But we also see God sending an evil spirit on Saul (1 Samuel 16:14, also 16:15,23; 18:10; 19:9).
God is not the source of this evil spirit, but He does allow the spirit to work in Saul.
Compare this to how the Spirit of God sends Jesus to be tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1).
God had been with Saul, but Saul had refused to submit to God, to surrender to His Spirit.
God withdraws His support, and Saul finds himself weak before dark ‘Goliath’ spirits.
The Spirit of the Lord is in us, and we have access to His support and strength.
If we resist the Lord, we also miss out on His support, and become weak and vulnerable.
If we go our own way, rely on our own strength, ‘Goliath’ spirits will soon overcome us.
If I open myself to the Lord, His Spirit will strengthen mine to beat spiritual ‘Goliaths’.
Will I be like David, or will I be like Saul, strong or weak in the Lord?
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am reminded how weak and vulnerable I am without Your Spirit. Remind me how You will work powerfully in me IF I walk with You and follow Your lead!
Accepted or rejected?
Go in God’s power or self power?
Talk with God and learn what He desires.
Spirit led.
Spirit driven.
God within us.
Listen to His voice.
Not my way but His Way.
Not my will but His will be done through me.
GodPower.
SpiritLed.
Being an instrument of His peace.
Being in tune with God.
Walk daily with Him.
God with us.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.