Today’s One Year Bible Reading for Friday May 11th is 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Psalm 107 1:43 and Proverbs 15:1-3. The passage I selected for today’s S.O.A.P. note Bible study is 1 Samuel 10:5-7 (NLT).
Scripture
‘When you arrive at Gibeah of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is located, you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the place of worship. They will be playing a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre, and they will be prophesying. At that time the Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person. After these signs take place, do what must be done, for God is with you.’ – 1 Samuel 10:5-7 (NLT)
Observation
In this passage the prophet Samuel is talking to the young Saul who has not yet been crowned king. In yesterday’s passage Samuel told Saul that he, Saul, was to be the hope of the nation. Saul protested, saying that he was from the least important family in the least important tribe in all Israel. I think it’s safe to say that he felt unworthy.
In today’s reading Samuel has just told Saul that God has appointed him king of Israel. Then, in the passage above, he sends Saul to meet the prophets. I found this account fascinating for a couple of different reasons.
I think that this passage provides a wonderful glimpse into the activities of the ancient prophets. While we may think of the ancient prophets as bearers of gloom and doom, this band of prophets are coming down from the place of worship playing a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre. It’s my guess that their prophecy takes the form of a joyful song.
But the part I loved most came after.
Saul is told that the Spirit of the Lord will come upon him and he will prophesy with the prophets. Immediately thereafter, as Kris Vallotton stresses in one of his wonderful You Tube lectures, Saul will be changed into a different man. In other words, this says that the Spirit of the Lord and the company of prophets and the prophetic words Saul himself speaks will change Saul’s self-image. Instead of feeling unworthy he will be changed into a man who can accept the mantle of king.
Application
As I mentioned last post, I have been struggling with feelings of unworthiness and anxiety. This Scripture reminds me that this is not something I have to overcome on my own, it something I need to give to the Spirit of God. Yesterday I wrote out several verses on anxiety, today or tomorrow I am going to write out some on unworthiness. Including the part of today’s passage which says “You will be changed into a different person.”
I also liked that today’s passage talked about prophecy. Because I come from the New Age I was long in the habit of receiving direct albeit deceptive spiritual guidance. For a while, as a new Christian, I was afraid to allow myself to receive any guidance at all. Then I begin to very cautiously listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I have written a whole post on how this guidance is different from what I received in New Age but one point I didn’t make is that the guidance I receive now is truly transformative!
While I was in the New Age, the “guidance” I received led me from metaphysical topic to topic in a very circular way. I didn’t really progress in life or become a better person – let alone a new person. But the changes that Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit have made in me are doing just that.
The way I intend to apply this insight is by focusing my prayer time and Bible study on the promises of God that relate to the things I need to change. I want to also remember the singing prophets and be joyful in my devotions!
Prayer
Heavenly Father. I thank you for the guidance and love you have given me and the many miracles that you have made in my life. I ask that I you continue to help me to be renewed in mind, soul and spirit.Please give me strength, focus and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Tomorrow’s One Year Bible Reading for Saturday May 12 is 1 Samuel 12:1- 13:23, John 7:1-30, Psalm 108:1-13 and Proverbs 15:4
UPDATE: I promised to update on my progress in getting rid of old New Age / occult items. While I still have some books on Amazon I am started to throw out those I consider especially damaging. Yesterday I put 8 books out in the garbage. Today I am going to get rid of more.
*To read my post on how Christian and New Age guidance differ, please click here.
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