July 10
1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14; Acts 27:21-44; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 18:23-24
I Chronicles makes clear that the Babylonian captivity is a result of the Israelites “unfaithfulness.” Further into the passage, we read specifically about Saul’s unfaithfulness. “He did not keep the word of the LORD…[nor] inquire of the LORD.” This is the crux of it. When things become murky, what do we do?
In our humanity, we are often drawn to what we can see, what is right in front of us. Saul went to a medium—a fortune teller—and this was a catastrophic mistake. He had the King of Kings by his side, offering His wisdom and assurances…but Saul went with what he could see, a fallible, finite person (who was of the devil!) for advice instead.
Conversely, we read in Acts about Paul’s response in the face of a dire situation: endless storms, little food, imminent death. Who does Paul consult? He doesn’t look at his circumstances or ask the experts (the sailors/crew). Paul knows whose he is; he refers to the Lord as “the God to whom I belong” when describing the angel God sent. Paul’s faithfulness enables him to live in communion with the Lord. It’s not that Paul wasn’t fearful. The angel begins with, “Do not be afraid…” implying that Paul was afraid. And the Lord cared to comfort Paul, and to share how He would act. He intervened in a miraculous way, saving Paul’s life and so many others. What peace Paul was able to have when all seemed lost, what encouragement he was able to offer his shipmates (v 36)—all because he belonged to the Lord and he sought Him in the midst of uncertainty.
Turning to Psalm 8, the author illustrates how marvelous and majestic our Lord is, and how much He cares for us (v. ) The Creator and King of us all, loves us and wants us to encourage and guide us. But it’s our choice to either constantly seek Him, like Paul, or turn to the things we see for help, as did Saul.
Dear Lord, Thank You for loving me and wanting to encourage, comfort, and guide me. Train me to seek you—instead of the world. Amen.
Question: In the face of trouble, do I turn to God, or do I seek help from the world?
I Chronicles makes clear that the Babylonian captivity is a result of the Israelites “unfaithfulness.” Further into the passage, we read specifically about Saul’s unfaithfulness. “He did not keep the word of the LORD…[nor] inquire of the LORD.” This is the crux of it. When things become murky, what do we do?
In our humanity, we are often drawn to what we can see, what is right in front of us. Saul went to a medium—a fortune teller—and this was a catastrophic mistake. He had the King of Kings by his side, offering His wisdom and assurances…but Saul went with what he could see, a fallible, finite person (who was of the devil!) for advice instead.
Conversely, we read in Acts about Paul’s response in the face of a dire situation: endless storms, little food, imminent death. Who does Paul consult? He doesn’t look at his circumstances or ask the experts (the sailors/crew). Paul knows whose he is; he refers to the Lord as “the God to whom I belong” when describing the angel God sent. Paul’s faithfulness enables him to live in communion with the Lord. It’s not that Paul wasn’t fearful. The angel begins with, “Do not be afraid…” implying that Paul was afraid. And the Lord cared to comfort Paul, and to share how He would act. He intervened in a miraculous way, saving Paul’s life and so many others. What peace Paul was able to have when all seemed lost, what encouragement he was able to offer his shipmates (v 36)—all because he belonged to the Lord and he sought Him in the midst of uncertainty.
Turning to Psalm 8, the author illustrates how marvelous and majestic our Lord is, and how much He cares for us (v. ) The Creator and King of us all, loves us and wants us to encourage and guide us. But it’s our choice to either constantly seek Him, like Paul, or turn to the things we see for help, as did Saul.
Dear Lord, Thank You for loving me and wanting to encourage, comfort, and guide me. Train me to seek you—instead of the world. Amen.
Question: In the face of trouble, do I turn to God, or do I seek help from the world?
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