Fear Daily Devotional - March 6

March 6

1 Samuel 11:7
7: So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen.” And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

Comment:

So we now enter the first of two books of Samuel.  1Samuel records the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David’s anointing and early years.  Samuel was a priest and also a prophet, whose career forms a bridge connecting the judges to the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. 

We move across all the references to Samuel’s life until we meet Saul and finally come upon one of our “fear” verses.  Saul has just been installed as the king of Israel, and the while the rebellious people had requested that God give them a king, they weren’t too sure Saul was up to the task. 

Suddenly the Ammonites decided to come against Jabesh Gilead  and the people of Jabesh ask for 7 days to decide if they will fight or just give up and become their servants.  Saul comes upon some of the people weeping and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him.  That’s where today’s verse comes in.  His fire, or threat, brings “fear” on the people and they rise up and fight to keep their freedom.  Any of you ever been there?

Lord,  first and foremost, keep me from rebellion! Then Lord, keep me in Your Spirit and ready for the fight, so I don’t allow anything to take me captive and draw me away from Your direction for my life.  Amen.