What will be said of you?
1 Chronicles begins with numerous chapter of genealogy. In the list of names are inserted a few comments about some of the individuals. When it comes to the person of King Saul his life is summarized as “unfaithful to the Lord.” (See 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.) What a devastating comment! How terrible if that were how you or I were remembered.
It is interesting to note why Saul was considered unfaithful. The writer of Chronicles lists three evidences of his unfaithfulness. First, “he did not keep the word of the Lord.” You may recall that at the beginning of Saul’s reign he was told to wipe out the Amalekites. He spared the king and the best animals. Samuel pronounced judgment on Saul because he did not do exactly as he was told by God. It really matters how you respond to the Scriptures.
Secondly, he was called unfaithful because he consulted with a medium for guidance. He was desperate for advice. We are only to seek guidance from God. And that is the third aspect of unfaithfulness: “he did not inquire of the Lord.” It is not enough not to seek guidance elsewhere. To be faithful we must seek to be led by the Lord.
It seems to me that a church which is permeated with a desire to seek after God is one that can be thought of as faithful. A church which is walking in the Spirit is a group of people who can share frequently about how God is speaking and responding to his direction.
Saul’s life is a lesson for us both individually and as the body of Christ. May God declare us faithful!
1 Chronicles begins with numerous chapter of genealogy. In the list of names are inserted a few comments about some of the individuals. When it comes to the person of King Saul his life is summarized as “unfaithful to the Lord.” (See 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.) What a devastating comment! How terrible if that were how you or I were remembered.
It is interesting to note why Saul was considered unfaithful. The writer of Chronicles lists three evidences of his unfaithfulness. First, “he did not keep the word of the Lord.” You may recall that at the beginning of Saul’s reign he was told to wipe out the Amalekites. He spared the king and the best animals. Samuel pronounced judgment on Saul because he did not do exactly as he was told by God. It really matters how you respond to the Scriptures.
Secondly, he was called unfaithful because he consulted with a medium for guidance. He was desperate for advice. We are only to seek guidance from God. And that is the third aspect of unfaithfulness: “he did not inquire of the Lord.” It is not enough not to seek guidance elsewhere. To be faithful we must seek to be led by the Lord.
It seems to me that a church which is permeated with a desire to seek after God is one that can be thought of as faithful. A church which is walking in the Spirit is a group of people who can share frequently about how God is speaking and responding to his direction.
Saul’s life is a lesson for us both individually and as the body of Christ. May God declare us faithful!
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