Read 1 Chronicles 8
Highlights:
Descendants of Benjamin; priests and Levites in Jerusalem and their responsibilities; genealogy of Saul; tragic deaths of Saul and his sons
They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days (1 Chr. 10:12).
Many might ask because of the way Saul's life ended; is there importance to this scripture? It is true Saul's last days did not see the blessings of God on his life. He spent them chasing after David trying to kill God's anointed. He was rebellious to God's plans and went his own way many times. He even ended up consorting with a witch.
It is sad that most are remembered for the way they end instead of the work of their entire life. There was a time that God's anointing was upon Saul. Many argue this fact. God did not want Israel to have a king. But, the king they had was chosen by God. The blessings of God were upon this man in his early years. They were taken away when he became disobedient to God. We are serving what we obey. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Rom. 6:16).
The verse above (1 Chr. 10:12) is looked at not so much about Saul as it is about the valiant men spoken of here. No one would have faulted these men for not going to rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons. Who today undertakes a cause such as this? Most would argue with you for even calling it a rescue. It was really just a recovery.
These men showed a dedication that is not often found today. There was something inside them though that caused them to rise up to this task. This greatest of heroism was a repayment to Saul for rescuing them many years before (1 Sam. 11). Many might question the choice of facing an army to retrieve a dead body. They may have been honoring this debt or it could have been an act of patriotism or it was a dedication to God. Maybe, it was just the right thing to do. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye (Acts 4:19).
We should always strive to make right choices in life. Not just good choices, good is not always good enough. Something can be a good thing without being a God thing. When decisions have to be made in life, let us look to God for our answers. He is the only one who will always have our best interests at heart.
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way (1 Cor. 12:31).
Thought for Today:
Our Lord wants us to serve Him, not for fame or reward, but because we love Him.
Christ Revealed:
By Jerusalem, which means "foundation of peace" (1 Chr. 9:3). Christ is the only Foundation of Peace upon which man can stand before God. Jesus said: My peace I give unto you (John 14:27; 2 Cor. 5:18; Eph. 2:14).
Word Studies:
8:31 Zacher, Zechariah (not the prophet); 9:21 porter, gatekeeper of the entrance way; 9:22 set office, trustworthy position; 9:23 by wards, as guards; 9:28 bring them in and out by tale, count them when they bring them in and take them out; 10:2 followed hard after, closely pursued and overtook; 10:3 went sore, was fierce; 10:4 uncircumcised, those without a covenant relationship with God.
Prayer Suggestion: Believe that what God promises, He will bring to pass (Gen. 15:1-6 & 21:1-3).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:29
