I Samuel 11:13  But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has accomplished salvation in Israel.”

A few years ago, as LeBron James was on the verge of breaking the 30,000 career point total he received a congratulatory note on social media. "Wanna be one of the first to Congratulate you on this accomplishment/achievement tonight that you'll reach!” Interestingly, the note was from…himself!

It’s easy to see examples of that kind of self-aggrandizement. But in today’s passage, right at the beginning of Saul’s career as king, he takes a different approach. The Ammonites had long been enemies of Israel and were pressing in hard against an Israelite town. Saul gathered all Israel into one massive army 300,000 strong. He devised a strategy and it was executed flawlessly. It was a massive victory for Israel and, no doubt, a key bragging point for all who had begged Samuel to get them a king!

When asked about it, Saul gave the glory to God. He had accomplished salvation. Saul had called the army together, Saul had devised the strategy. But He pointed to God as the author of the victory. What humility! (If only he had kept this attitude!)

Jesus went around preaching and was often the subject of comments that “He speaks as one with authority, not like the scribes and pharisees.” He was constantly doing the miraculous - healing, turning water into wine, walking on water, feeding multitudes with almost nothing. Yet He was always crediting His Father with His success.

When we have success at something, it’s okay to feel satisfaction at a job well done. It’s a good feeling to see the success of our plans. But we should remember that God is at work. He is the author of victory. We would have no success without His smile on our endeavors. Read ahead in I Samuel and you’ll find the Saul who takes credit for his achievements. That Saul and this one are very different. I like this version best.

Even if no one recognizes my achievements, I want to refrain from social media self-congratulatory notes and wait for the real prize - hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when I meet my Lord face to face!

Blessings,

Pastor Russ