Day 2

Reading:
1 Chronicles 9:35-39, 1 Samuel 13:1-19:17, Psalm 59, 1 Samuel 19:18-21:15, Psalm 34
(Reading Plan Days: April 12-15)

Verses that stood out:
1 Samuel 14:6b
"Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!"

1 Samuel 15:22-23
"What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king."

In the first verse, Jonathon is telling his armor bearer that they just have to trust the Lord as they are preparing for battle against the Philistines. At that time, it was only the 2 of them going against hundreds (if not thousands) of Philistines. But by having faith in the Lord and knowing that he could and would deliver them if it was his will, Jonathon set an example for all of us. We all probably "know" that God can win any battle for us, but do we really know? Do we really trust him with everything? At that point, Jonathon and his armor bearer had no choice - they were facing the mighty Philistines and they had to trust God. Can we do that in every day situations?

The second verse that stood out to me might not have caught my attention had it not been for B90 days. At this point in the Bible, burnt offerings are still a requirement for following God and staying in His will. Once you get to the New Testament, we find that Jesus is our offering if we only accept him. In light of the NT, this verse takes on a whole new dimension as Samuel asks Saul whether the Lord is more pleased with burnt offerings or with obedience. Then and now, the Lord would rather we display obedience instead of doing what we think is "right" - be it burnt offerings or going to church but living like the world as soon as we step out of those doors.

Blessings!