Shrug Off the Doubt of Others
Synopsis 1Sam 11:12-12:6 9/7/2018
Saul led the army of Israel to a great victory over the Ammonites. With this victory, there was a groundswell of support for Saul’s kingship. So, Samuel led the people to Gilgal to “renew” the kingship there. The coronation turned into a spontaneous feast complete with communion sacrifices to the Lord.
Having installed the new king, Samuel announced his retirement from public life. In doing so, he challenged the entire assembly to identify any misdeed he had made during his ministry so that he could make restitution. Of course, no one could identify any misdeeds.
Saul was Only Accepted as King After He had Delivered Victory
Although he gained a few followers after being named king, many Israelites doubted Saul was the right choice. They doubted he could do what they expected a king to do for them.
In the face of this negative scrutiny, Saul wilted. He returned to his father’s farm and worked in the fields. Then, Nahash the Ammonite brought his army to conquer Jabesh. Clearly, this was a deliberate provocation. And more importantly, it was a calculated test designed to see what Israel’s new king would do if provoked.
Saul met this challenge. And because of this, he became widely accepted as Israel’s new king.
Shrug Off the Doubt of Others
God has called you. And I don’t mean He called you to merely be saved. There is something needful on this planet that only you can do. There is a needed contribution that only you can make. And God made you so uniquely that only you could fully make this contribution.
So, maybe it’s not going that well right now. Maybe you doubt God’s purpose for your life. Maybe you don’t perceive much evidence of God’s plan in your life. And maybe no one is encouraging you.
A lack of evidence is discouraging. It causes you and others to doubt your calling. It causes hesitation. And, it tempts you to quit. But don’t quit. God has called you. So, let nothing keep you from serving God in the way that only you can do. The people around you will eventually catch up.
“Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” 1Tim 4:12
