Scripture:
God Is the Deciding Factor
Fri, 26 November 2021

God Is the Deciding Factor What

Observation:

What is the significance of “the LORD” being repeated seven times in Samuel’s speech in verses 16 to 19?

Deeper Reflection
SAUL SOUGHT SAMUEL through a medium to get his counsel in his crisis (v.15). In response, Samuel did not give Saul what he desired, but instead, he picked up where he had left off in his judgment of Saul (vv.16-19; cf. 1 Sam 15:22-23, 28-29).41 In his speech, Samuel mentioned “the LORD” seven times. An important theology reflected here is: God is the deciding factor in all things. All that happened to Saul as he lived a life of self-centredness and disobedience to God was: “The LORD has done accordingly as He spoke” (v.17). When this happens, there is nothing that any human can do to change it. God is faithful. He keeps His word – both positively and negatively. When Saul relentlessly pursued David to kill him, what had been happening in reality was: “the LORD has torn” his kingdom from his hand and had already “given” it to David (v.17). Saul’s pursuit was doomed to fail right from the start, however hard he tried. It can happen to us that God “has departed from” us and “has become” our “adversary” (v.16). But as long as we have not reached the point of no return like Saul, there is redemptive hope. When Israel went into exile to Babylon for their persistent unfaithfulness to God, God “has become like an enemy” to them (Lam 2:4-5). “When we are punished by God, our only hope lies in turning to our ‘Enemy’”42 of unceasing steadfast love, unfailing compassions and great faithfulness (Lam 3:21-23).
41 Robert D. Bergen. 268 42 Huang Sabin, O.T. Made Simple (Branch Books, 1995), 165
Application:

How does the theology of – God is the deciding factor in all things – work out in my life?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • For SGI leaders: To have God as the deciding factor in their lives
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.