"John 14:1-31
Honour the Lord to the end
Saul started off very well. God had given him great success. In the passage for today we can learn from Saul’s good example in the early days of his leadership.
However, he did not finish well due to disobedience and arrogance. Partial obedience is still disobedience. Not only did he disobey God, but he ‘set up a victory monument in his own honour’ (15:12, MSG). How different this is from Jesus who, as we see in today’s passage, had only one aim in life – to bring glory to his Father (John 14:13).
Samuel tells Saul, ‘When you started out in this, you were nothing – and you knew it. Then God put you at the head of Israel – made you king over Israel ... why did you not obey God? ... He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship’ (1 Samuel 15:17–23, MSG).
Power is so dangerous. Its abuse corrupts. Success can so easily lead to pride and arrogance. That in turn can lead to idolatry.
Lord, we pray with the psalmist, ‘Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory’ (Psalm 115:1). Lord, help us to avoid the disobedience and arrogance of Saul, and to follow the obedience and humility of Jesus.
Lord, come and make your home in my heart today. May the Spirit of truth lead and guide me, and give me your peace."
1. Amen! Not to me but to Your name. Thank You, all glory to You.
2. Thank You for the existence of different perspectives. They teach me more understanding.
3. Thank You for being able to appreciate great music.
