Friday, July 20, 2018

       I suspect that some of you are like me in that the things we see and hear on a daily basis often remind us of a bible story or truth. If you are a devoted Spurs’ fan, by now you are probably aware that we just lost one of the best players ever. Without a doubt, his trade to another team has been difficult to swallow for many Spurs fans. In a press conference two days ago, Coach Pop ended it by saying: “We wish him well, but at this point it’s time to move on.” For whatever the reason, these words quickly reminded me of a biblical account I have taught and preached about on several occasions. I am referring to the day God removed Saul from being king over Israel.

       That day was one of the worst for the prophet, Samuel, for he had a deep fondness for Saul. From the day he first saw that tall, handsome, young man who was also very humble at the time, he felt Saul definitely had to be the answer to Israel’s dreams. Time and time again, however, Saul would let him down and eventually break his heart. I Samuel 15 ends on this sorrowful note: “And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.” (verse 35) 

       At the start of the following chapter, we read: “The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”  Yes, Samuel was broken hearted, and yes there was a time to mourn, but the day came when the Lord basically told him: “Get over it. Its time to move on.”

       It may be that one of you, like Samuel, is overdoing it in your mourning because of something that recently happened in your life. The truth is that we all will experience heartbreaking events in our lives. Maybe today the Lord is telling you to let Him have your burden of sorrow, that He will give you the grace and the courage to continue on the path He has chosen for you. God sustained Samuel and in time the prophet saw how things dramatically improved under King David’s reign. God will do the same for you, just trust Him. Come on, it’s time to move on.

God’s word for today: (Psalm 34:18) “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”