God’s power – Page 3

1 Samuel 11:1-15 – Saul Takes Charge

leader pointing the way, standing on an arrow being carried by 8 others

God was still in charge, but the people saw a powerful leader that day! Saul’s actions were certainly not weak. God wasn’t about to let the man he anointed as Israel’s first king be a “wimp.” We know from our last reading or two that Saul didn’t seem all that enthused by his new calling. I wonder what was going through his mind now after having felt God’s spirit coursing through his veins?

There is no feeling quite like that. When God’s spirit is alive in you and moves you to do God’s work, it’s definitely a warm fuzzy! At least that has been my experience. It’s like the Holy Spirit has lit a fire in my soul, has acted through me, and left me feeling totally exhilarated. Sometimes what happened or what I said is just a blur. Can you relate?

1 Samuel 9:26-10:16 – It Will Happen Like This

Read 1 Samuel 9:26-10:16

Man standing, facing a door open with light streaming in

To know exactly what to expect is going to happen must be exhilarating! Think of the whirlwind young Saul has been on over the past day. While looking for his donkeys, he found Samuel. Samuel’s words will profoundly change his life forever. He has no idea what it will be like to be used by God in this moment.

Maybe you’ve felt like this before. You know you’re called to do something great to further God’s kingdom, but what does that look like? I’m sure we all wish we had Samuel in our corner preparing us for what is about to happen. The detail here is quite something, wouldn’t you agree?

1 Samuel 6:1-18 – The Tale of Two Cows

Read 1 Samuel 6:1-18

wooden yoke that looks antique sitting on an old wooden bench

Was it really the Israelite God who sent the plagues upon the Philistines? They had to know for sure. The Philistines were afraid of the Ark and consulted with their own priests and diviners about the best way to get rid of it. But what if the plagues were simply a coincidence?

A plan was suggested involving two cows and a guilt offering. They had underestimated God’s power, and the guilt offering or payment had to be more than sufficient to calm God’s anger. This plan would assure them, once and for all, it was the Ark causing all the trouble. New mother cows would never leave their babies unless there was some divine intervention. In addition, two cows not used to being yoked together would not calmly allow such a thing to happen.

1 Samuel 4:1-11 – Capture the Ark!

Read 1 Samuel 4:1-11

Thank heavens Samuel knew what God was about to do. The people were already listening to Samuel and the words he spoke. But Samuel is not the focus of this reading. The Ark of the Covenant takes center stage now.

We are reminded that Israel is fighting with the Philistines. This has been an ongoing saga. We read of it in the Book of Judges. I’m not certain if this reading is a parallel time to battles described elsewhere in Scripture. But the Israelites are not winning. What are they thinking? Where is God?

Acts 2:1-21 – Happy Pentecost!

Read Acts 2:1-21

And Happy Birthday to the Christian Church! As I publish this in 2021, it is the eve of Pentecost. The date of Pentecost moves each year because it is dependent upon it’s proximity to the Passover celebration and/or Easter, which also move around the calendar. Pentecost was a Jewish tradition long before the events of our text today. But for the Christian church, Pentecost marks the start of a movement.

The Holy Spirit came in a mighty way. Jesus had promised his followers the Holy Spirit would come. Several weeks had passed since he made that promise before Jesus ascended into the sky. I’m sure the disciples were beginning to wonder when it was going to happen. They may have even been questioning whether they were going to recognize when it happened.