I Samuel 14:48
“He acted valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them.”
This is a refreshing turn of events for Saul. Up until this point he made selfish, immature and foolish decisions. Much of it was evident to all. Worse, Samuel told him that his kingdom would be taken from him (I Samuel 13:13, 14). So, where does that leave him? God still loved him and he was still king until the Lord would bring in the replacement. He made the best of it and God blessed him.
This is hopeful, as we all make mistakes. Some are private, others are public. This tells us that God isn’t finished with us. Others may have written us off, but God hasn’t. As long as we have breath within, we have a chance to make things right with God.
We as humans have our limits. Peter demonstrates this when Jesus speaks about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21, 22. ‘Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”‘ Peter thought he was being gracious by saying seven times. Jesus obliterates that by basically saying, “Peter, you never stop forgiving”.
King Saul made his mistakes. He will make more. Even though his kingdom will end soon. Even though Saul won’t keep this job, he hasn’t lost his soul. We can always return to the Lord. The prodigal son is another example. By that day’s standards, he was an embarrassment. He asked for his inheritance, before his father died. He went and lived in a way contrary to how he was raised. Yet, it appears that the father would often watch for his return.
How long had the father waited? Was it months, was it years? It was enough time to spend a large sum of money. It would seem like at least months, possibly years. The father wished for the return. One day, he saw someone coming from a long distance. Luke 15:20 tells us about how the father felt. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” Regardless of the mess we may have made, God still has compassion on us and celebrates our return.
How do we function when we’ve made a mess of things? Do what Saul did, fight on. He could (and maybe did) mope sadly in idleness. Depression isn’t helped when we do nothing. That compounds it. Make things right with the Lord and do the task at hand. An amazing truth is that we may have strayed miles from God. Returning to Him is simply to turn around. We might have spent years away from Him, but a simple prayer of repentance repairs it. One second can wipe away the years.
While reconciliation can be that fast, it’s sustained by a new life direction. Unless that’s present, the repentance may not have been legitimate. Following Him is the new route. If any of the commandments are not kept, fixing that is part of it. A new relationship with God is to be tended to. That involves reading the bible, praying, going to church and speaking about the new life in Him. If we are able to tell others about our new life in Him, it cements the legitimacy and the Lord rewards that.
Life in Christ is incredibly rewarding. David said, “My cup runneth over”, (Psalm 23:5). Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” He provides a confidence that He’s there and that He’s for us. His presence can erase a mountain of troubles against us. Yes, that will need to be attended to, but with the assuredness of His presence, there is much hope. With that confidence, He provides His competence and power.
Lord, thank You that we can return to You. Thank You for Your enthusiastic reception. The prodigal son was greeted with a party. Thank You for the hope that Your presence brings.