“Some of the plunder taken in battle they dedicated for the repair of the temple of the Lord. And everything dedicated by Samuel the seer and by Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner and Joab son of Zeruiah, and all the other dedicated things were in the care of Shelomith and his relatives.” I Chronicles 26:27-28
In I Chronicles 26 God records those who served with King David. It is a long list of almost unpronounceable names that we are tempted to skim over. Yet in that list of names God hides hidden nuggets that both thrill and edify us. A few of those nuggets are in verses 27-28. God describes the faithfulness of Shelomith who was given charge of all the treasuries of King David. David and many others in Israel had given many things to God (tithes, offerings and love gifts) for the
building of His temple. Verse 28 tells us of two men who gave to the Lord. The first is the Godly prophet Samuel. Samuel gave his life to the Lord, but he also gave back to the Lord from the material things the Lord blessed him with. Samuel’s name does not surprise us but the second does. God records that King Saul also gave of his substance to the Lord. King Saul’s life is a great warning to us. He started off a humble man, not seeking to be king of the people. God raised him up when Israel desired a king. He led Israel to many victories and it appeared God’s hand of blessing was upon him. Then Saul began to drift, to trust in himself instead of God. Instead of waiting on Samuel, as instructed, he violated God’s word by offering a sacrifice to God himself. Then he consulted a witch for advice, strictly forbidden by God’s Word. Finally he disobeyed God and instead of slaughtering all the enemy he kept the best of their spoils for himself and, when caught,lied about it. God’s anger was aroused and Saul was removed from being Israel’s king. He started well, he even gave of his possessions to God’s temple but he did not end up the same way.
What can we learn? We are in the process of electing a president in our country. Many desire that office and will do whatever is necessary to gain the support of voters. As a result they make promises
and pledges to gain support. They tell voters what they believe and will do. Many espouse beliefs that sound Biblical. This sounds good and encourages believers that God’s principles will be upheld in government. There is a real danger, however, to believe that words, even some actions, demonstrate true faith in God. It is a dangerous practice to link true belief in Christ with statements made by those seeking authority over us. Remember, God looks at the heart.
We thank God for victories He gives our nation and for laws and policies that are passed that are aligned to His word.
This is good and proper and we are to pray for those in authority over us that this might happen. Yet we err if we attribute true belief in Christ with a ruler’s words or actions. Some, like Saul, may give to God of their substance and their faith appears strong. Over time we learn they are self-centered, not God centered. When the world sees this, it
gives them reason to mock God and his followers for claiming their faith was real.
As believers our faith must be in God alone, not politicians who say things we like to hear. Ending well is much more critical than starting well.
Finish God’s course faithfully!