' 517
THE K I N G ’ S BUS I NE S S
Gilead against the Ammonites. The enemy was defeated and all ' Israel acknowledged Saul as a capable leader. The victories of Saul, however, all lay in one direction. He had no difficulty in overcoming Moab, Ammon and Edom, the nations on that side of Jordan which was next to the wilderness. He did not prevail against the Philistines whose place was over Jordan and the Jebu- sites who occupied Jerusalem, he never thought of disturbing. David’s victories on the other hand were on both sides of Jordan. Philistines and Jebusites both fall before him. The significance of this is obvious. The flesh in its various forms can be not know Samuel when he meets him face to face. 1 Sam. 9:18. Perhaps Kish and Saul his son had been too busy breeding asses to have ever heard of Samuel. He was led up to the door of his earthly kingdom by the knowledge of piety of his father’s servant. Saul was not more blind and stupid among the pastures of Benjamin than men and women are today in the midst of churches, prayer meetings, Bible con ferences and classes and religious privi leges of every kind. We see only what we bring eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to love. Here is the key to Saul’s sad history. He was crowned king of Israel and he was as ignorant of the God of Israel as he was of Samuel. SUNDAY, May 23. 1 Cor. 12:18-31. To Every Man His Work. The eyes of Israel rested on Saul with delight because “ there was none like him.” Saul’s eyes rested not on God but on the strong in Israel. 1 Shm. 14:52. The same spirit leads him in war to meet strength with strength. 1 Sam. 11:7, 8. As the king would take the place of God, so he would take the por tion of God. He takes the tenth which is God’s share. 1 Sam. 8:11-17. He takes the people who are God’s ser vants to be his servants and to do his work instead of God’s. God’s rule is exchanged for man’s rule. The relation that Israel formerly sustained to God, they now held to Saul. God was put out of His place and Israel was put out of their place. They became the ser vants of Saul. Vicarial rule in the church rejects Christ and puts God out of His place. Anti-christ means “ in the place of Christ” rather than. “ against Christ.” , MONDAY, May 24. 1 Sam. 13:1-7. Enemies of Israel. Soon after Saul became king, he suc cessfully defended the people of Jabesh-
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker