Opposition Is Part Of The Package
Daily Renewal
When Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot...Finally, Saul, son of Kish was taken…
Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” The people shouted, “Long live the King!”
Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the LORD. Then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their own homes.
Saul also went to his home in Gibeah accompanied by valiant men whose heart God had touched. But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” The people shouted, “Long live the King!”
Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the LORD. Then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their own homes.
Saul also went to his home in Gibeah accompanied by valiant men whose heart God had touched. But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
I Samuel 10:20-27
The people of Israel had rejected the direct rulership of God through the prophet Samuel and had insisted on having a king “like all the other nations.” God consented to their request and instructed Samuel to choose a king for them. Saul was chosen as the first king of Israel. It was a memorable time for the nation. People brought gifts to King Saul and subjected themselves to his leadership. They rejoiced and wished the king well shouting, “Long live the king.”
Even though God was not pleased with the fact that Israel had rejected him in favor of an earthly king, He gave the process His blessing and actually chose Saul for that office. The love and compassion of God is simply incomprehensible. God did not reject Israel even though Israel had rejected Him!
To help Saul in his kingship, God touched the hearts of “valiant men” to serve King Saul. But all was not rosy. Saul was not immune from attacks and rejection from some of his fellow Israelites. Some scoundrels rose up against him declaring: “How can this fellow save us?” “They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.” Saul’s response was a very wise one. He did not attack his opponents or fight them back for despising him.
The truth is: The blessings of God can arouse opposition and attacks sometimes from people close to you. In fact, it is rather unusual not to run into attacks, rejection and opposition. What they despise is the fact that God has given you a divine assignment and God’s hand and blessings are on you. You need a thick skin and a soft heart to fulfill your destiny and call.
Joseph was despised by his brothers because of his God-given dreams. Jesus was despised by the people in His own hometown because they would simply not recognize Him for who He was.
Such opposition must be expected. It is part of the landscape. When God promotes you, opposition from some people must be expected. But the good news is that God will always place some “valiant men” around you to protect and encourage you. God is with you.
Even though God was not pleased with the fact that Israel had rejected him in favor of an earthly king, He gave the process His blessing and actually chose Saul for that office. The love and compassion of God is simply incomprehensible. God did not reject Israel even though Israel had rejected Him!
To help Saul in his kingship, God touched the hearts of “valiant men” to serve King Saul. But all was not rosy. Saul was not immune from attacks and rejection from some of his fellow Israelites. Some scoundrels rose up against him declaring: “How can this fellow save us?” “They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.” Saul’s response was a very wise one. He did not attack his opponents or fight them back for despising him.
The truth is: The blessings of God can arouse opposition and attacks sometimes from people close to you. In fact, it is rather unusual not to run into attacks, rejection and opposition. What they despise is the fact that God has given you a divine assignment and God’s hand and blessings are on you. You need a thick skin and a soft heart to fulfill your destiny and call.
Joseph was despised by his brothers because of his God-given dreams. Jesus was despised by the people in His own hometown because they would simply not recognize Him for who He was.
Such opposition must be expected. It is part of the landscape. When God promotes you, opposition from some people must be expected. But the good news is that God will always place some “valiant men” around you to protect and encourage you. God is with you.