OUT OF SYNC WITH GOD
1Samuel 9-31, Proverbs 16:18
Prov. 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
1Samuel 9-31, Proverbs 16:18
Prov. 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Saul was anointed King of Israel by God Himself, through the prophet, Samuel. (1Samuel 5:16). His beginnings were humble. He was handsome, taller than other men, and impressive. (1 Samuel 9:2). But his life took a terrible turn when he got out of step with God.
We’ll follow Scotty’s life as a parallel study (the boy who tried pushing steroids to Jeremy one football practice).
Scotty was jealous of Jeremy. Scotty was one of the boys who laughed when Jeremy fell down, loaded down with books while using crutches to walk. “What’s wrong, Jeremy, having trouble walking?”
“Yeah, a little.” Jeremy said, scowling.
Their teacher, Mrs. Deturk, allowed Jeremy to use his backpack in bringing his books into the classroom. “Why does he get special treatment?” Scotty snarled to his friend. He went to his locker and loaded his books into his backpack.
When he tried walking into the classroom, Mrs. Deturk pointed outside, stopping him. “You know the drill, Scott! Store your backpack in your locker.”
“I hurt my arm, Mrs. Deturk.” Scotty said.
“I saw you horsing around outside, Scott, stop lying to me! Return your backpack to your locker outside this classroom NOW.”
During recess, the guys played hockey. Scotty hit one guy in the shins with his hockey stick, causing him to fall down. Then he slammed the puck into the net. His team, cheering their victor, scooped Scotty up onto their shoulders. Mrs. Deturk watched from the sidelines.
“You need to remain with me after school, Scott” she told him.
When they were alone, she sat down next to Scotty and said, “Something’s changed, Scott. Talk to me.”
“Nothin” Scotty said, shaking his head.
“Nonsense, Scott!” she said, studying him. “These past two days I personally witnessed you lie repeatedly, and accept victory after injuring Brad. Coach Jiles warned you about pushing steroids on the other boys. You’ve fallen a long way so quickly, Scott. We’ve got to stop this steep descent before you’re in deep trouble.”
Scotty shook his head, saying, “Things are cool, Mrs. D. Really!”
Take Home Nugget
If you read a few chapters in 1 Samuel, you’ll see how Saul’s pride caused him to lie, disobey God repeatedly, and he tried killing his son-in-law, David, in a jealous rage.
God stopped listening to Saul’s prayers because of his deliberate disobedience. Saul was all alone, distraught, and in very big trouble.
God allows people to follow their own plans when they clearly, deliberately step outside of His will. But being out of sync with God is a disaster waiting to happen.
It is good to check one’s heart
Before pride claims a hefty start.
Once begun, it’s hard to seek the light
Where Jesus leads to what’s right.
J.D. Griffith
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