By: Juliet Constantine
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
His life held so much promise! He was young, tall and handsome; and smart too - a fitting catch for any woman. He was content with looking after his father’s cattle; yet, he was the chosen one. God saw something in him – something more than the naked eye could behold. God choose the best for His people – He always gives us the best. So, what went wrong? How did King Saul went from being chosen to being rejected? How did he loose God’s favour? Wasn’t he sincere in his actions? Why was he rejected? Why did he reject God?
Disobedience - He did not obey! He despised wisdom and instruction.
The feelings of disappointment that followed were too much for King Saul. It’s one thing to be rejected but to be replaced with someone younger – so much younger? Hate and jealousy reigned and evil spirits entered his chamber. He no longer hears God’s instructions – his heart was filled with revenge! What happened to King Saul can also happen to anyone who despised wisdom and instruction!
So, what is the fear of the Lord? Job tells us in Job 28:28 that “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” David, the new King admonished us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Now, let’s reason: why are we so intent on following our own ways and not God’s? Why are we rejecting God’s commands? Why are we intent on choosing our life’s work, partner – anything that matters without God’s input, without following His commands? Didn’t He advise us not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers? Didn’t He caution us that beauty is vain – instead we are to praise God? What else did He provide wisdom/guidance on that we may have rejected? Sometimes in our stumbling, His words haunt us: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7).
Like many others, King Saul’s story could have ended differently. Their legacy of obedience could have lived on down through generations. Instead, they made themselves into clowns. Do not make the same mistake King Saul, and others, have made. Do not be a clown. The wisest man found out late (better to be late than never) that it is better to fear God and give Him glory because everything would be revealed in the judgment. All cases are being decided now. What will the judgment reveal about your life and mine?
Heavenly Father, thank you again for your words – they are life. Grant us an experience with You so that in all things and always, we will choose Your way, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
