Warriors Arise: October 29, 2022
1 Samuel 19:20-24 (NKJV) Then Saul sent messengers to take David. And when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as leader over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 And when Saul was told, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. Then Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. 22 Then he also went to Ramah, and came to the great well that is at Sechu. So he asked, and said, “Where are Samuel and David?” And someone said, “Indeed they are at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 So he went there to Naioth in Ramah. Then the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Definitely brings a whole new meaning to butt naked. Maybe that is why people think those who prophesy are weird. Sometimes the Spirit of God upon one causes them to do things that would cause another to "raise their eyebrow." I remember being at church camp when I was in junior high and they were having a call for us to commit all of our life to whatever God would want. I hadn't read this Scripture, so it would have been at the top of my list. At the time, I would not go down front. I was saved, but I didn't want to be a missionary to Africa. I was in fear. I sure didn't know the language and the culture shock would totally put me in a panic. I did know that if I gave "all of my life" to Jesus, I would obey. At that time, I wasn't ready for the unknown of what God would ask me to do. So, I remained standing at my seat. God is so incredibly loving. He gives us the opportunity to make a choice. Real, authentic, genuine love is a choice. God still loved me and continues to love me today. Now, I know going to Africa as a missionary isn't the worst thing He could ask me to do. Here, Saul isn't asked, it is something he is provoked to do.
According to my study Bible, there are few things to take into context. This is not the first time, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" It was said in 1 Samuel 10:11 in a positive light when the Spirit of God came upon Saul and he was about to be anointed as king. However, from further investigation of the tense of the verbs, this time it is said tragically, possibly even sarcastically. Saul was not among the prophets. He was not going there to seek God. People knew the Spirit of God left him and he was randomly tormented by a distressing spirit. In trying to show himself to be worthy, aligned with Samuel and God, Saul tears off his clothes and lays naked day and night, so others will think he carries the same anointing he had the first time. In several Scriptures, we see Saul wanting to do things to please the people and to elevate himself above where he really was in relationship with God. Outwardly, he did the things that would make it seem like he is among the prophets and hearing from God. But when reading the following Scpitirues, his heart has not changed. He is not seeking God nor aligning with God's direction. He is still out to kill David.
Father, I come before You now. I would never want to do something that would misrepresent You. I would not want to make fun of the way Your Spirit moves among Your people. I do not want to pretend to be flowing with the Spirit, when I am not. It would be so demeaning to those who truly operate in the Spirit of God and arrogant to try and make people think You were working through me in a way that You were not. I pray for my heart to be pure. I pray for my motives to be clean before You. I pray to be open to be led by the Spirit and worship You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I pray I would desire You to clean the inside of me and not just the outside. I want the inside to be pure and faithful to You in everything You call me to do. I pray I would not resist Your calling. I pray I would embrace what You have for me. You are my God and I want to honor You with everything I am and all that You have given into my hands. I will bring You honor in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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