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This is the sermon podcast of Rivercrest Presbyterian Church in Lexington, South Carolina. Rivercrest is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
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The Philistines continue to combat the Israelites, but this time it's a single foe who puts fear into the hearts of his enemies. Goliath is described as impressive and intimidating, contrasted with David who is young and unassuming. But as the theme of 1 Samuel has shown us, the outward appearance is not what matters, but it's the heart. And it's not that David is so great that Israel has a chance, but because His God, the Son of Man who came to seek and to save the lost, is always victorious over His enemies.
Saul is facing trouble, a harmful spirit from the Lord, and is seeking some relief. Providentially, one of Saul's servants knows of David who is skillful and able to help the king. Unknown to Saul is the anointing of David as his replacement, but David serves the king faithfully and finds favor in Saul's sight.
The Lord meets Samuel in his grief and doesn't let him stay there. Graciously we see how God calls Samuel to worship, to seek the next king who isn't like Saul, whom man saw the outside appearance and loved, but who is faithful in the heart where God sees. The Lord is providing for His people a new and better king in David, a man who points us to the True King from David's line; Jesus Christ.
Saul continues to be disobedient to the Lord in his self seeking kingship. In honoring himself and raising a monument to his own glory, Saul has neglected following after the True King of Israel, and God is grieved by his unfaithfulness. The way of Saul has led to his downfall and the throne is now opened for a new king.
There is a tension to the reality that God is actively working in history, and that history is still a mess. This passage shows us that even in the chaos of life, God still speaks His word, God still sees what's happening, and God still scorns what's sinful. And beyond that, as His children, God still calls our names.
Saul has disobeyed Samuel, the prophet and voice of the Lord, by making an unlawful sacrifice. In doing so he has lost the throne and come under a great consequence for his sin. The Lord doesn't allow for sin to go unpunished but thanks be to God who sent His Son, the True King, to be completely obedient to the Lord for us.
Saul is the first king of Israel, a handsome man that fits the external requirements of royalty, but falls short internally. As he fails to complete a task given to him by his father, Saul then meets Samuel who instructs him in what the Lord has said, that he would be king. Even though Saul won't be the king Israel needs, and even though the people are rebellious towards the True King, the mercy of the Lord is greater than their sin.
Things were going well for Israel in the younger days of Samuel, with Ebenezer being a symbol to the people of God of His steadfastness and strength. But as life goes, Samuel gets older, puts his unfaithful sons in positions of power, and soon the Israelites seek to be just like their neighboring nations; desiring an earthly king. The Lord grants their request, but it will come at a cost, because they have ultimately rejected the True King.
Hannah models for us how to pray in that she rejoices in her Lord. By rejoicing in the Lord's deliverance, in His holiness, as He carries us through our weaknesses, and as He preserves us by grace Hannah has prayed an honest and meaningful prayer of adoration and thanksgiving. This salvation that Christians have in Christ prompts us to be a prayerful people like Hannah.
Samuel is born to an imperfect family but they do prioritize something that's of utmost importance; worship. Hannah has communicated her vow to her husband, he has supported her and encourages her to allow the Lord to establish His word. This family's right choices impacts their next generation as we will see Samuel benefit from their lifestyle.
The prophet Samuel was born to a broken family, just like all of us are. His mother Hannah, dealt with guilt and shame from being barren, but upon honest humble prayer she was remembered by the Lord who loves her.
As Jesus does in all of His teaching, His desire is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the heart. And as a measure of grace, He comes and meets us in our blind spots, He meets us with a promised deliverance, and He meets us with a legacy of love.
A heart full of discontentment is the result of loving money. We not only forget about who we are but we forget about our Savior and the eternity which we now live in through His righteousness. Our identity must be that of Christ, to trust and rely on the Lord in all things as He provides for us. Being wise and discerning with money is good, but it doesn't address the root issue of a love of money, only Jesus can.
The rich young ruler doesn't have a money problem but rather a heart problem. Jesus already knows the situation before it arises and He warns the ruler of the dangers of prosperity and holding our desires and comforts so closely to money. Ultimately the Lord wants our heart and to steward our entire lives for His will and glory, not for ourselves.
Trust and faith in the Lord push back against anxiety and worry. Stewarding all aspects of our lives, Christians are called to lean on their Savior who cares deeply for them and will meet all of their needs.
Christians are justified, adopted, forgiven, made clean, set free, and secured in the salvation of Jesus Christ. So Paul gives us instructions, marks of a true Christian, that we pursue in our sanctification until glory. Thinking back on what's already been accomplished by our loving Savior we move forward and walk by faith as we rejoice in hope, are patient in tribulation, and are constant in prayer.
Christians are the light of the world here and now because of our union with Christ. Our witness shines the gospel into the world in which our Savior created and walked. This is His chosen way of life for His people and one that gives us courage as He helps us each and every step of the way.
Jesus is the light that has come into the darkness. The promise for all who believe in Him is that they will no longer walk in darkness, but in the light. This life of hope now shines into a desperate world and proclaims the excellencies of Him who called us out of such darkness and into His marvelous light.
Christ came in to the world, not in grandeur or with great fanfare, but into normal life. This is precisely where the Lord meets His people, in the ordinary. For the wise men to recognize the star and visit Herod meant they left normal life behind to pursue the One the prophets foretold. The same is required of believers today, to respond to this bright troublesome light and be changed by Him.
Everyone is born into sin, the gloomy darkness but Christ has come and the light is shining into the darkness. Isaiah acknowledges the anxious and worrisome with strong language, that rather than fearing the world and the possibilities of worst case scenarios, we are to fear the Lord. He is ultimate and mighty, the Prince of Peace and Everlasting Father who came as a baby to shine into the darkness to save us.
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