We see two apples on the counter, one shiny and firm, and the other soft and wrinkled. What do we do? We keep the best and throw out the rest.
Multiple applicants interview for one job opening. We are on the hiring committee. What do we do? Keep the best and throw out the rest.
How does that work with God? Does he want us to keep the best and throw out the rest?
Saul, the king of Israel, struggled with trust and obedience. He was tested twice by God. The first time was with the Philistines, when he refused to trust in the Lord’s sacrifices. He saw them as mere ceremonies to perform before the people. Because he did not trust in the Lord’s sacrifices, he was judged, and he lost the right for his sons to rule one day in his stead.
Yet, Saul’s second failure was even worse. In 1 Samuel 15:1-9, Saul is commanded to strike a blow against the kingdom of Amalek. God is very clear, telling Saul he must destroy everything the Amalekites have, including women, children, camels, and sheep.
Nothing must be left to tempt the Israelites or remind them of the enemy’s wicked lifestyle.
Saul finds the first part of God’s instructions very easy to follow. He comes unto a city of Amalek, and he destroys it completely. With God’s power in his hand, Saul continues throughout the land of Amalek, crushing Israel’s mortal enemy.
The second part of God’s instructions proves harder for Saul to stomach. When it comes to the prize jewel, Saul just can’t bring himself to kill Agag, the king of the Amalekites. Then, to make matters worse, he looks over the vast herds of cattle, together with the oxen and the lambs, and he cannot bring himself to destroy what seems good in his eyes.
How is that like us? When God asks us to step out on faith, and we keep our safety nets in place, what does that say about our trust in the Lord? When God asks us to place our confidence in him and obey him no matter how difficult it seems, do we tell God yes, even as we keep an eye on our stocks, our trust funds, and the latest trends in the commodities markets?
The only thing worth keeping is Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers us. Everything else must be cast aside, in order that we might hold with all our might to the pearl of great price.
When we turn loose of all else in order to cling to Jesus, we keep the best of what God has in store for us.
Copyright © 2013 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FD.FGO.E.13.13.vp
Throwback Thursday: Originally Published July 14, 2013 in Discipleship