In 1912 the crew on board the "unsinkable" ship known as the Titanic spotted an iceberg above the water's surface, but the decision was made to actually speed up toward it.
"An iceberg shouldn't present any issue for this modern ship" was the rationale for the decision. The problem ended up being not what could be seen, but all that could NOT be seen and which lay beneath the water's surface. That very iceberg was the culprit that sunk the "unsinkable" Titanic and killed 1500 people.
Are you willing to peel away the surface and see what lies below in your life with God? Could you be ignoring something that may well become a disaster? Sin is much more dangerous than we want or care to admit and when we step out from under the authority and kingship of God, we sink. When hope is placed in anything other than God, it is a rejection of God's plans and purposes and authority in our life.
INVITATION: This week's study is a prelude as we begin a series to learn from the life of King Saul. In all the Scriptures leading to King Saul, God had been the King and was establishing a relationship with His people on the way toward the promised land. However, the Israelites got tired of doing it "like it had always been done" and wanted their own King like all the other nations had. They were tired of this "God as King" set up. Maybe it seemed old school or archaic. Maybe they thought they now were enlightened and knew best. Just like we do today, they were finding ways to justify what they wanted....and THOUGHT they needed. It probably seemed logical. However, God's ways are always best and when we follow them, we are under HIS "umbrella" and protection. God sees the bigger picture that we don't see - including what is under the surface. We sink when we take our eyes off God's Kingship in our lives and try to take things into our own hands.
Saul came from a good family, was good looking and supposedly "had it all." However, he was a disaster as a King because of some things that lay below the surface. Join in as we lay the groundwork for studying about Saul's life.
MONDAY: Jeremiah 6:16: What are some "ancient paths" that you might have chosen not to walk? Do they seem "old school" or out of date to you? Perhaps you thought you knew better? Pastor Adam stated the following: "Beware of any decision, path or viewpoint that doesn't show God to be all satisfying and worthy." As you consider this verse and this quote, are there any invitations from God for you today?
TUESDAY: I Samuel 8:4-9: The people rejected God as their leader and looked for other "Gods" in their lives. Scripture clearly tells us "You cannot serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). Have you rejected God's leadership in your life? Are you putting other things in front of your relationship with God? Are you willing to spend some time with the Lord today and allow Him to look beneath the surface? Are YOU willing to look beneath the surface?
WEDNESDAY: I Samuel 8:19-22: The Israelites shouted, "We want a king," bypassing God as their promised leader, the only dependable source of certainty. The people's motives were clear: They coveted the political securities their neighbors seemed to enjoy. Their insistence took precedence over God's ways. How like our basic human inclination: "I want to be true to myself and God's ways, but I don't want to miss out on the advantages others enjoy." What is it about the lives of those who may not follow God that makes you less willing to trust God's pattern for your life? In what ways are you willing to compromise your values to be like some other person or to fit into another group? Can you trust God to guide you? Pray for assistance in following the path God has set before you. God sees the big picture - He is beyond time and space. He sees under the surface. Will you trust Him?
THURSDAY: JOHN 17:15-16: We are to be different from the world. The Israelites were to be different from the world, but got tired of being "different" and wanted their own way. The entire series we just finished was "The Art of Being Unordinary." We are called to be different and unordinary. How are you blending into the culture around you rather than being "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16)? How might you begin your days by committing yourself to the authority and "Kingship" of Jesus Christ? If that is something you don't even desire, perhaps you might begin praying for God to plant that desire in your heart?
FRIDAY: Romans 12:2: How can you "renew your mind" to live an unordinary life? Ask Jesus to show you areas of your heart, mind and soul that might need His renewing touch.
SATURDAY: Matthew 11:28-30: The "yoke" of Jesus Christ and His authority in our life is not burdensome. In fact The Message version calls it the "unforced rhythms of grace" that will help us live "freely and lightly." Does that sound refreshing and desirable to you? Ask Jesus to help you know and understand and follow HIS Kingship in your day, your week, your month......your life. He is faithful.