“Living The Good Life and Losing It”“Politics and Religion”
The first king of Israel had “it all going on.” He was raised in a privileged family. His father, Kish was a high ranking prosperous man and appears to have had no serious daily problems. One day Kish sent Saul and a servant to look for their lost donkeys (asses) [1 Samuel 9:3-14]. They searched for the lost donkeys; but could not find them. Saul told his servant, “:Let’s return before my father becomes worried and begins to look for us. The servant said, I hear there is a prophet (a seer) who can help us and whatever he says, it will come to pass.
His servant was more confident seemingly more experienced in knowledge about seers. Because he said,” before when someone wanted to talk to a man of God we offer a gift. Saul said we don’t have bread. The servant said, I have here a present to give him: a fourth part of a shekel of silver (different kinds of shekels, weight unknown). Saul, not as confident said, we don’t have present to give the prophet. They met young maidens carrying water who gave them directions to find the seer (prophet Samuel). By divine direction Samuel had been expecting Saul. He knew the kingdom was to change hands and that he, Samuel would not remain judge and prophet of Israel. 1 Samuel 9:15 answers this question for us. The Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before that a man of Benjamin is coming. He says, “he shall reign over my “people”(verse 17) As time progresses, Saul is anointed the first king of Israel. Reign of the judges and Samuel as prophet passed on to the monarchy.
During the span of time, he has a battle with the Philistines and also the Amalekites. Our focus here is on the battle with the Amalekites. And we learn that David became the main challenger with killing the Philistine, Goliath and thereby conquering the Philistines. Saul’s behavior became eradicate. He called for a musician to play for him, who was David. David’s father Jesse allowed David to go and serenade the king. Saul inquired of who was David’s father as there was an inheritance to come to Jesse.
Saul became insanely jealous of David after his defeat of the Philistine.The women sang and danced celebrating David and his bravery. Saul ‘s murderous attempts of nine times to kill David failed. Saul knew that David would replace him. The Lord had stripped Saul of his lasting dynasty and also warning him of the threatening loss of his kingship as well.
Something quite interesting took place after the Amalekite battle. Religion and politics crossed just as we are seeing today. Saul, in failing to listen to the instructions of Samuel, decided to take over the role of the prophet by administering the sacrifices while he waited for Samuel. This disobedient act, along with his other ungodly behavior of putting his own desires over God’s. Saul acted out of fear, impatience and hard head and went on to visit the woman with the familiar spirit (witch at Endor). Saul himself had forbidden anyone to participate in witchcraft and familiar spirts. Saul ignored his own directive.
God saw his unfaithfulness and his resistance to change. The people of God were also at fault because God had told them He would give them a king, but they were impatient and would not wait. What is the message here? Do not attempt to take over the role of God Almighty, because destruction lies ahead. The point is we can enjoy a good life, but don’t cross God. He is watching. Don’t mix politics with religion. It’s a disaster. God has laid out an infallible plan. Let’s be patient and follow His plan. Scripture reference 1 Samuel chapters 8 and 9.
Jeanette Grattan Parker Ph.d-Founder-Superintendent
Today’s Fresh Start Charter School
4514 Crenshaw blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90043.
www.todaysfreshstart.org
Weekly Columnist for LA Sentinel News
askdrjeanette.successontheway@gmail.com
“Inquiring Minds Want To know.”© All rights reserved. Partial Scripture list references: Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School:4514 Crenshaw BL, LA 90043 323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org Dr. Jeanette’s Articles are copyright. All rights reserved. Inquiring Minds Want To Know” © Ask Dr. Jeanette (TM) www.Ask Dr.Jeanetteparker.com. Askdrjeanette.successontheway@gmail.com. Let me know. Dr. Jeanette also writes a weekly article for The Los Angeles Sentinel News. Dial in Sundays for music & message: 11:30am {1-712-775-8971—code 266751}
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