1 Samuel 1-24: God's redemptive drama in the midst of man's volatile drama
Welcome to the book of Samuel - if ever there was a book in the Bible with contrasting characters with twist and turns in the narrative - this is the book to read! There is such a mixture of emotions when going through 1 Samuel - there is the hopeful prayer of Hannah, the excitement in the rise of Samuel as the prophet of the Lord, the disappointment in the people's request for a king, the expectations for Saul who had a great start but eventually degenerating into a maniac personality, the enthusiasm and victories of young David, the friendships, the betrayals, the list goes on. All fit for primetime TV! Yet, in the midst of this drama, the sovereign hand of Yahweh is weaving the tapestry of His redemptive purpose. I am utterly amazed with the mystery of God's faithfulness and providence such that, despite the ups and downs (on the human level), there is a steadiness to where God is going with His redemptive purpose. All history is moving in the direction of His-Story.
CLICK HERE to download the overview illustration for the book of 1 & 2 Samuel.
CLICK HERE to submit your questions for an upcoming Emmaus Fireside Online Chat (Wed, March 24 at 8pm, Zoom ID: 85160500401, Password: 827457) - especially questions from your children. We look forward to receiving your responses. Our focus is on the first five books of the Bible (Genesis to Deuteronomy).
Connecting the dots
Note the interplay of the three roles of prophet, priest and king as you interact with the characters in the book of Samuel. If each office is executed rightly, it creates a state of leadership balance and stability for the nation of Israel. When one attempts to grab or usurp the power of the other offices, then it is a relapse back into the days of the Judges where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg 17:6, 21:25).
Consider the example of Saul who started of in a state of humility (1 Sam 9:21) but soon was addicted to the state of exaltation. In the first 24 chapters of 1 Samuel, there are at least 9 references to the self-exalting nature of his leadership: "from me", "against me", "avenged myself", "monument for himself", "honor me", "displeased him", "conspired against me", "sorry for me", "not destroy my name" (1 Sam 13:11-12, 14:24, 15:12, 15:30, 18:8, 22:8, 24:21).
The downfall of Saul is a sober reminder of the "seeding" nature of sin - it begins with an enticing desire and left to fester, it eventually gives birth to sinful actions leading ultimately to death (Jam 1:14-15). For Saul, it was the seed of envy (1 Sam 18:9,15,29) and the seed of the fear of men (1 Sam 15:24). What a sobering reality - "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." "God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam 16:7).
Study the contrast in character between David and Saul or the similarity of character between the sons of Eli and the sons of Samuel. This ought not be to be a reflection for self-development or self-improvement because we are all in danger of slipping into the depravity of our sinful condition if not for the grace of God. This should be an exercise of submission to the sanctifying work of God in our lives. "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit therefore to God." (Jam 4:6-7). You don't walk away with a resolve to change yourself but with a repentant heart that constantly submits to the work of the Holy Spirit in you.
Activity idea
How tall was Goliath? Well, it depends on the definition of the measurement of cubit used. This could be an interesting lesson in culture as measurement standards were different back then. Check out this article for some helpful tidbits: https://www.gotquestions.org/how-tall-was-Goliath.html
Have you ever wondered how David's shepherd sling could have looked like? Well, check out the following website (do be careful, if you ever attempt to try it!).
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/how-to-make-use-shepherds-sling/
Christ in Scripture
Consider the Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q&A 23:
Q. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
In reading through Samuel, you will discover the human imperfections played out in the roles of prophet, priest, and king. However, we find all three offices perfectly demonstrated in Jesus Christ First, Christ functions as God’s prophet, revealing to us the will of God, speaking in God’s name with God’s full authority.
As for Christ’s priestly office, Hebrews 5:1 defines for us what the high priest is to do for God’s people: “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” This very thing lies at the heart of Jesus’ redemptive work as it unfolds in the New Testament.
Lastly, regarding Christ’s kingly office, as the eternal Son of God whose throne is firmly established in heaven (Ps. 103:19), Christ rules over His people as well as over the heavens, the earth, and all creatures. In the Old Testament, the Davidic kingdom pointed ahead to Christ’s conquest over death and the grave. In 2 Samuel 7:12–14, Nathan tells David of God’s promise: “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
More than worshipping Jesus as "Lord" and "Savior", let us also exalt Him as our Prophet, Priest and King! Praise be to God!
Ref: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/christs-threefold-office/
Comments
Post a Comment