Today is a day of personal assessment, reflection and quietness as I look forward to a new year. Early this morning I was reminded of something that happened within the first few months of our ministry in New Jersey. Our family was becoming acclimated to a new culture, one very different than the one into which we had been born and that had formed us. The church was embracing, affirming, eager to see what God had in store for us all.
A pulpit guest, Owen Carr, ministered on the theme, “And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.” (1 Samuel 10:26, KJV) In the course of his message Pastor Carr shared how men and women had affirmed and enabled ministry at key moments in his ministry. The congregation was of a spirit to embrace Brother Carr’s message, and the elders and deacons reinforced the message at their next meeting. At that meeting one of the deacons had affixed a professionally painted banner on the conference room wall with the theme, “And there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.” The deacon had acted alone, but every member of that board enthusiastically affirmed it and verbally, prayerfully committed themselves to be of the same sort as supported the newly anointed King Saul. The effects of that commitment lasted for ten years. That message was routinely reinforced as we sought the Lord’s direction and went to Him for courage in difficult seasons of church life.
In rereading 1 Samuel 10 this morning, I was reminded that Samuel told Saul to join with a band of traveling prophets because, “The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (10:6, NIV) Little comment is needed! The Spirit of the Lord changes us! Affirming slogans and rallying around themes wears thin. We need transformation.
Saul’s response to the whirlwind of events and experiences is a fitting example for us, he humbled himself. When the time came for his public anointing as king, Saul was “hidden among the baggage.” How un-American is Saul’s attitude and behavior? Our national leaders do everything to generate photo ops and draw attention to themselves. A prideful spirit is lethal, and rpride’s death rattle echos throughout a culture. As Jesus’ disciples, let us move into 2012 with the counsel of Proverbs 16:18-20 on our lips and in our hearts.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
We grow arrogant as a nation, as a church or institution, and personally quite naturally. Broken and contrite spirits must be developed patiently and intentionally. Of all seasons in our history, Jesus’ disciples must acquire His spirit and abandon all attitudes that allow saber rattling demands, threats, and demanding behavior akin to the world’s.
Notice what occurred immediately after the shouts of “Long live the king!” “Some troublemakers said, ‘How can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts.” Adversity came while the anointing oil was dripping from Saul’s head. Anointing and adversity are often companions.
This observer sees the possibility of extraordinary challenges, and potential hardship in the year ahead. The world economy teeters with uncertainty. As always, political supermen jockey for world power. Tiny nations threaten to cripple the economies of superpowers by closing off oil shipping’s traffic ways. Now is the time for “the men whose hearts God has touched” to be prayerfully prepared for all potential challenges.
A final word, “But Saul kept silent.” In a society of political activism, we might want to revisit the patterns established by God-approved leaders and of Jesus. “As a lamb led before her shearers ...” is a far cry from human nature and most behavior.
For 2012 I am seeking out another “band of men whose hearts God has touched.” God has and will continue to be present with His people. Let’s face the year together, with one heart stirred by His Spirit. You and I can be confident, courageous, certain!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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