AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR APRIL 4
Read 1 Samuel 9-12
Do you have any April showers today?! We have fresh snow up on the ski hill. We are at a major biblical shift. Saul’s plans are rearranged by God, he steps towards a future unknown to him, yet obviously very known by God.
But he knows the way that I take; Job 23:10a
This is the first way God introduces himself and his plan to Saul. Through Samuel God is predicting his steps, down to the detail two men will give you loaves.
And it begins like the opening of a movie, titled–The rise of the KINGS of Israel. In Samuel’s farewell, he tells Israel, ‘THE LORD YOUR GOD WAS YOUR KING.’ 1 Sam 12:12 What the nation considers an achievement of national leadership, God considers a rejection. (1 Sam 8:7)
Saul was selected to be king where as Jesus was born a king. My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight. Pilate therefore said to him, ‘Are you a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world’ (John 18:36-37)
Saul’s heart was changed for this kingship. (1 Samuel 10:9)
Jesus heart is PURE. Jesus is meek with a powerful displays of authority.
The whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” Luke 19:37-38
Saul hid among the stuff. (1 Samuel 10:22)
Jesus is a king who can not be hid and furthermore HE rode humbly into Jerusalem thronged in praises, HOSANNA!
JESUS power over the sinful condition of every man, woman, and child, of every level is irrefutable. Look at the generations. History is not hidden, if you look. Jesus changes hearts and makes us fit to be kings and priests unto God. This radical change comes powerfully, dramatically, and immediately in ACTS. HIS people become priests who forgive and bless. Jesus lives to INTERCEDE for the SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH to act in total obedience to God defying the systems of the world regardless of politics, persecution, and Caesar’s decrees. And Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus (Acts 17:7
When the CHURCH is filled with SPIRIT OF CHRIST, SHE offers ALL who come to him, his priestly blessing of forgiveness. We are called to tell the Pilate’s of this world, of the kingdom that can not be shaken–a kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) OURS is a KING who forgives and blesses.
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Psalm 32:1 Of David. A maskil. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Have you given this blessing to anyone? (John 20:23)
