We were reading 1 Samuel 15 a while ago. God sends Saul to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions. Wipe everything out.
But he doesn't, quite. And when Samuel comes to check up on him, he bluffs.
The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord's instructions!
And then, some of the most unlikely humor in the Bible.
What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?
And you know the story. It's the beginning of the end for Saul.
In verse 11 God says, I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me...
So Gunnar asked me, Did God make a mistake?
Pretty good question. The language makes it sound like it. As if God didn't anticipate Saul's unfaithfulness. But of course, we know He did. So if it's all part of the big plan, which I'm okay with not understanding, why does God regret it?
3 comments:
He didn't want to make Saul king to begin with ~ it was Israel who wanted to be like their neighbors and demanded a king. :-(
The sinfulness of man is one big huge regret, yes?
And we kid ourselves into thinking we can just tweak God's directives a bit to suit our own whims... (and still call Him God)
The language of these sorts of passages (thinking of Noah, then Moses when God said He wanted to destroy Israel and make a new nation with Moses)... leaves us wondering. But I can rest in knowing God is good, He is unchanging, and He will show me what I *need* to know.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness; All I have to do is follow. Strength for today is mine all the way; And all I need for tomorrow... (I think those are the words?)
It is okay to question and wonder, but ultimately He is God, and we are not. (Job)
((our kids need to be able to ask and discuss, and leave the conversation with their faith strengthened))
Right??
I am so thankful and BLESSED to KNOW the One True God ~ and to be KNOWN by Him! =)
~ Grace, Mercy & Peace ~
~ ♥ ~
...Like I have time for thinking such loooong comments?? :o Whew!
For a university religion course that I took a long long time ago, We had to read a book that showed how each part of the Word revealed God's plan for redemption. I just wish I could remember the name of the book because now that I am older and hopefully wiser, I would love to read it again. Food for thought for sure!
Blessings!
Deborah
You're right about God not wanting to make Saul (or anyone) king in the first place! I forgot to remind Gunnar of that.
But all in all, I need to trust God even when I don't understand. And Gunnar is "with me" on that :D I just found it interesting that he was thinking deeply enough about it to even ask the question.
I remember that song! Haven't heard it for years :D
Julie
Post a Comment