18^th November 2o24

Alex Buabeng-Korsah
Theme: BRAVERY ON A DARK DAY

Theme Scripture:  "All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days." — 1 Samuel 31:12-13 KJV

Preparatory Question.

1. In times of trial and darkness, how can you demonstrate courage and faithfulness to God, just as the men of Jabesh-Gilead did for King Saul?

It was a very dark day. Not only had King Saul died, but also his three sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua (1 Sam 31:6). Israel had fled before the Philistines. Many more were slain on Mount Gilboa (1 Sam 31:1). Where is the God of Israel? The nation of Israel and her king had been weighed in the balance, and they were found wanting. God, who is the Just One, could not fight for His people but delivered Israel into the hands of her enemies. The strong became weak, and the mighty became feeble.

 

The Philistines had coveted this victory for a long time. The reason is that Israel had dominated them for a long time. After finding the body of King Saul and his sons, the uncircumcised Philistines abused the royal bodies (1 Sam 31:8). They took the head of Saul and his armor to the land of the Philistines to display it before their idols and people. Can you imagine this? But the Philistines were not done. Saul's armor eventually became a trophy in the house of Ashtaroth, and his body was fastened to the wall of Beth-shan (1 Sam 31:10). It was truly a dark day for Saul's family and the house of Israel.

 

In the midst of the thick clouds, a thin light of bravery and valor shone. The men of Jabesh-Gilead arose when they heard of the Philistines' abuse of Saul and his children's bodies. They could not sit by and watch this mockery continue. King Saul had done much for the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead. In the early days of Saul's kingship, when Nahash the Ammonite wanted to take Jabesh-Gilead, it was Saul who, by the Spirit, brought deliverance to its inhabitants (1 Sam 11:1). Nahash's condition for a peace accord with Jabesh-Gilead was to gouge out the eyes of every inhabitant as a reproach on Israel (1 Sam 11:2). But King Saul, within 24 hours, brought the Lord's deliverance to the people of Jabesh. How could they forget Saul's valorous exploit on their behalf?

 

From our theme scripture, we learn that the mighty men of Jabesh brought back the bodies of Saul and his sons, burned them, and buried their bones under a tree in Jabesh, and they fasted for seven days.

 

Precious one, in times of difficulty, faithful men are revealed. Joseph of Arimathea had been Jesus' disciple in private. When He was crucified, all His public disciples were nowhere to be found. But then arose this private disciple, who sought permission and buried the Lord's body honorably.

 

Beloved, are you a true faithful of the Lord or a disciple of convenience? O, that you will remember what your Lord has done for you on the cross and let your deeds today be chivalrous for your Master. O, that your heart will desire to be grateful and generous in confessing Him before all men. How honorable can your ways be to Him who has delivered you from a far greater death?

 

There are many believers who remain ungrateful. They know what God has done for them, but to date, they can't point to what they have done for God's name and glory. They have shown no bravery.

O, slumbering soul, awake, for the Master needs you. It is time to honor your Lord.

Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 6:20-23

 

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. This year, what did you plan to do for God and His kingdom?
2. How well have you followed through with what you planned to do for God this year?

 

PRAYER:
Precious Father, if I live, I live for You. For the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I receive grace, Father, to do exploits for the kingdom, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 5,  Nehemiah 6,  Joel 1, 1 Thessalonians 5