Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional for October 21, 2024 – WORKING UNDER UNGODLY LEADERSHIP by Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion
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TOPIC: WORKING UNDER UNGODLY LEADERSHIP
TEXT: 1 Samuel 14:24-52 (NKJV)
14:24. And the men of Israel were distressed that day, for Saul had placed the people under oath, saying, “Cursed [is] the man who eats [any] food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food.
14:25. Now all [the people] of the land came to a forest; and there was honey on the ground.
14:26. And when the people had come into the woods, there was the honey, dripping; but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath.
14:27. But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath; therefore, he stretched out the end of the rod that [was] in his hand and dipped it in a honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his countenance brightened.
14:28. Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed [is] the man who eats food this day.’ ” And the people were faint.
14:29. But Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. Look now, how my countenance has brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.
14:30. “How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found! For now, would there not have been a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?”
14:31. Now they had driven back the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. So the people were very faint.
14:32. And the people rushed on the spoil, and took sheep, oxen, and calves, and slaughtered [them] on the ground; and the people ate [them] with the blood.
14:33. Then they told Saul, saying, “Look, the people are sinning against the LORD by eating with the blood!” So he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a large stone to me this day.”
14:34. And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people, and say to them, ‘Bring me here every man’s ox and every man’s sheep, slaughter [them] here, and eat; and do not sin against the LORD by eating with the blood.’ ” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and slaughtered [it] there.
14:35. Then Saul built an altar to the LORD. This was the first altar that he built to the LORD.
14:36. Now Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and plunder them until the morning light; and let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” Then the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.”
14:37. So Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him that day.
14:38. And Saul said, “Come over here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see what this sin was today.
14:39. “For [as] the LORD lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not a man among all the people answered him.
14:40. Then he said to all Israel, “You be on one side, and my son Jonathan and I will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.”
14:41. Therefore Saul said to the LORD God of Israel, “Give a perfect [lot.]” So Saul and Jonathan were taken, but the people escaped.
14:42. And Saul said, “Cast [lots] between my son Jonathan and me.” So Jonathan was taken.
14:43. Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, and said, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that [was] in my hand. So now I must die!”
14:44. And Saul answered, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.”
14:45. But the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! [As] the LORD lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.
14:46. Then Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.
14:47. So Saul established his sovereignty over Israel and fought against all his enemies on every side: against Moab, against the people of Ammon, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he harassed [them].
14:48. And he gathered an army and attacked the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them.
14:49. The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Jishui, and Malchishua. And the names of his two daughters [were these:] the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal.
14:50. The name of Saul’s wife [was] Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army [was] Abner, the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.
14:51. Kish [was] the father of Saul, and Ner, the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.
14:52. Now there was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, he took him for himself.
STUDY:
The Israelites were distressed because Saul, with an oath, had forbidden anyone from eating food until evening. The people complied, but Jonathan, unaware of the oath, ate honey he found in the forest. After a tough battle with the Philistines that day, the people were very hungry and ended up eating raw animal meat. When Saul heard about this, he ordered them to eat properly cooked meat.
However, when Saul asked counsel from God about whether he should pursue the Philistines, God did not answer him. Saul assumed that a sin had been committed, and when it was discovered that Jonathan had eaten the honey, Saul wanted to kill him. However, the people rescued Jonathan, recognizing his great work for Israel.
Godly leadership brings joy, unlike ungodly or wicked leadership (Proverbs 29:2). Are you suffering under bad leadership at home, in the office, school, or market? Is your life threatened by insecurity due to poor leadership in your community, state, or country? Trust God, and acknowledge Him, and He will guide you (Proverbs 3:5-6). Despite the challenges you may face, remember that Christ has won the victory.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help me to trust you always. Amen.
CONCLUSION:
In life, we often find ourselves under ungodly leadership, whether in our homes, workplaces, schools, or even in society. Leadership that is driven by selfish ambition, lack of wisdom, or disregard for God’s guidance brings pain and distress.
Saul’s leadership caused unnecessary suffering for the Israelites, but Jonathan’s act of faith, even though unintentional, brought light into a challenging situation. This shows us that godly actions stand out, even in difficult circumstances.
When we are under ungodly leadership, it can feel frustrating and overwhelming. However, our hope should not rest in human leaders alone but in God. Even when it seems like things are out of control, we must trust that God sees everything and has a plan. We may not always understand why certain leaders are in power, but the Bible reminds us that God remains in control. He can use any situation to accomplish His purpose, even when things look bleak.
The most important lesson from today’s study is to keep trusting in God. When we commit our ways to Him, He promises to direct our paths. If you’re facing hardship due to poor leadership, instead of reacting in frustration, turn to God in prayer.
He will guide you, protect you, and in due time, His justice will prevail. Just like the people of Israel stood up to protect Jonathan from Saul’s rash decision, God can turn situations around for those who trust in Him. Keep your faith strong, and remember that no matter the challenges you face, Christ has already won the victory for you. Trust Him, and He will give you peace.
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