The Turning of the Season

OT: 1 Chronicles 10-13
NT: Matthew 5

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1 Chr. 10:13-14 — Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

After nine chapters of genealogies and lists, the author of Chronicles turns to a familiar subject to his Jewish readers: the history of the kingdoms of Judah and Ephraim (Northern Israel). He summarizes the reign of Saul in one chapter and then "condenses" David's reign to 12 chapters. Ironically, both kings reigned about 40 years over Israel. He shows his readers that the changing of the kingship from Saul to David was as a direct result of faithfulness of Saul. Saul, if you remember from 1 Samuel, started off his kingship strong but allowed a variety of temptations to overcome him and he turned into a bitter, paranoid, and mentally unstable man. So God tore the kingdom away from Saul and gave it to a young shepherd from Bethlehem, David.

David was a man who sought the Lord's own heart. He was the spring to Saul's winter. David did not always act in righteousness but he did always return to the Lord in humility after falling away. Indeed, the dynasty of David was blessed by the Lord eternally and, as we saw in 2 Kings, God preserved the royal line even into the exile of Judah. What can we learn from the turning of Israel's season? Maybe we can learn a warning. Saul did not keep the word of the Lord, and we need to be mindful of our own actions and attitudes when it comes to God's word. Saul also consulted outside forces for guidance, and we need to remember that the only sure guide is God Himself. Anyone else is capable of leading us astray. Saul did not inquire of (prayer) the Lord, and we need to value prayer in our lives. The Father wants us to come before Him with our needs and desires and He has promised to provide all we need. So let Saul's failure be a warning for us to examine ourselves and follow God's word, lean on His guidance and keep in communication with Him.

Be God's.