Day 10 - 40 Days in the Old Testament

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Old Testament
Day  10 | THE LORD OF HOSTS
THE LORD OF HOSTS

1 Samuel 12:22
“The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people.”
 (NLT)

We have come now to another critical period in the history of Israel and a turning point.  Covering over 100 years, this book shows how God takes His rag-tag group of tribes and brings them together as a unified nation. Moving them from living under the judges to a central monarchy.

It is also the first time we read one of God’s famous names: The Lord of Hosts (1 Samuel 1:3), which occurs over 260 times in the Old Testament. Also, the Hebrew Bible (which the Jews read) has 1 and 2 Samuel as one book.

In 1st Samuel, we find Saul appointed by God to be the first king, and he starts out okay. We also meet the shepherd boy, David, and follow him as later he faces Goliath and becomes a local hero! After this, Saul’s jealousy boils over and – as a thanks for killing Goliath – he tries to kill David. David, of course, evades Saul and eventually becomes the new king (in 2nd Samuel).
We’ve heard many of these stories in Sunday school and church, and through it all, God shows that He is in charge.

The theological concept of the Providence of God shows up again in this book.  That is, God using everyday events for His purposes. As much as we may enjoy the Bible stories about miracles and special appearances, God then – and now – more often works by his Divine Providence.

Further, God can reverse situations to bring about His perfect will. Never forget God is sovereign over all. He always has the last word.
Thus, even today, God’s will WILL be done. He will accomplish His purposes – as He always has – with or without our cooperation. (But, it’s better to cooperate with the LORD and enjoy the journey!)

Prayer: LORD, I want to enjoy the journey by walking in obedience to You.  Help me to continually grow closer to You and live a life that is pleasing to You.  Amen.