1 Samuel Part 7

Intro

two weeks ago

Saul’s battle with the Ammonites- with Samuel right behind him

Samuel’s farewell address and Israel’s realization

today- Saul rejected and campaigning alone

eating honey with a stick

Saul’s first campaign

an overwhelming force of philistines

hiding in caves

the unlawful sacrifice

Saul’s consequences- a man after God’s own heart

left with a small force of scared men with no weapons

Jonathan’s victory

Saul’s son is not like Saul

sneaks away from the main army

men are willing to follow him

He has faith even if it is a little misguided- God works through him miraculously for his little faith- like a mustard seed

when they see it, Saul’s group, those who were in hiding, and all who had fled or been captured of Israel rush to join the battle

Saul missing God

Saul with his mind on everything that has already happened during this battle makes a rash decision

not wanting to lose the pursuit and lose opportunity to prove himself despite Samuel, he orders the men not to eat or they will be cursed to die

Jonathan does not hear the order- eats some honey from the forest

the men are so hungry they eat the meat with the blood

super awkward exchange with the people and God and a coin flip

the people spare Jonathan- God is silent for the whole exchange

loses the pursuit anyway

God regrets even trying to make the point that he has through Saul

Application

God does not arrive on our time and he does not cater to our whims

God loves us and cares for us deeply and he wants life for all of us

however his hand works to create far greater things than you and I could ever imagine

God does not bless us just because we want his blessing

God does not curse others to death because they have gone against us

God is not always going to act even when we think this should be the perfect situation for him to show himself

he is the almighty God and he will do as he wills

there is only hurt to be found in trying to make God work for me instead of me doing my best to work for him