“Mourning The Rejected” By Kirk Hunt
Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”
1 Samuel 16:1 NKJV
At first, King Saul had been God’s man, in and through character, anointing and appointment. Even before sparing King Agag, Saul, son of Tish, had become rejected by God. Samuel grieved for the loss.
Saul chose to be rejected. It came one act of pride, arrogance or disobedience at a time. All too soon after his coronation, Saul decided he did not need to obey God or continue following His law.
Godly men and women rarely fall all at one. You just suddenly notice. Like David, Saul likely had multiple opportunities to repent and recover. Thick, thin, bright or dim, the king crossed a final line in God’s judgment and divine rejection..
God is a God of mercy and grace. He is also a God judgment and justice. Seek Him while He can be found.
God ordered Samuel to his feet and sent him to anoint the next king of Israel. Saul could have stayed close to God’s heart and purpose. Instead, he chose to reject God’s plan for himself and the nation. His choice became a tragedy for him and the nation.
Please do not confuse God’s love and mercy for indulgence. Your anointing can be lost. Your appointment can be forfeited.
It may not be “just one more thing.” It may be “the final straw.” Seek God now and seek His continuing acceptance.
Think: What path am I choosing and why?
Pray: “Help me to stay worthy of Your acceptance and approval.”
Copyright © August 2018, Kirk Hunt
This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.