Saturday, February 13, 2010
An Early Test
(I Samuel 11:1-11)
The first major test of Saul’s leadership came shortly after his awkward coronation. The good folks of Jabesh found themselves bullied by Nahash the Ammonite. Though tempted to make a covenant with the pagan—and suffer humiliating consequences, the men of Jabesh sought reprieve—in the hope that help would soon arrive (1-3).
Upon hearing of the plight of Jabesh, Saul was determined to make a stand. Interestingly, the Bible attributes Saul’s courage to the “Spirit of God,” not his inherent self-confidence. In fact, the Bible says that the Spirit of God fueled Saul’s righteous indignation and steeled his determination to deliver Jabesh from her enemies.
What transpired next fulfilled Samuel’s dire predictions of a monarchy: Saul instituted forced military enlistment on the spot, complete with the threat of death for objectors and deserters (7). The “fear of the Lord fell on the people,” and Saul raised an enormous army—easily enough to decimate the Ammonite threat.
After a brief and decisive battle, Jabesh was delivered and the Ammonite forces were scattered (11). Saul had won the day, and his confidence in God grew exponentially. The early test had proved both a battle ground and a classroom. And young Saul abandoned his fears while strengthening his faith.
His attitude of dependence, however, was short-lived. Eventually Saul’s rebellion and self-will would emerge—twin demons that would possess his soul and destroy his life. Easy lesson: Never abandon your dependence upon God!
