Today I read 1 Samuel 11, in which the Ammonites were defeated by Saul and the children of Israel. Today I considered that sometimes leaders are created because of a crisis or confirmed because of a crisis.
Crisis Confirms A King
A crisis with possible war led to the confirmation of king Saul and praises to God. The Ammonite named Nash went to fight Jabesh-gilead but they wanted to make peace. Nash said he would make peace and let them serve him if they put out everyone’s right eye. The people of Jabesh sent this information to all the children of Israel. When Saul heard it he was angry and the spirit of God came upon him. Saul chopped up a yoke of oxen and sent it to the children of Israel saying follow him or be like that yoke of oxen. The children of Israel came to follow Saul with 330,000 men assembled in Bezek. The men of Jabesh said they would come to Nash the next day but when they arrived they slaughtered the Ammonites. Samuel had everyone go to Gilgal to make Saul king before God and offer God sacrifices. Sometimes leaders are confirmed during a crisis.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
There were so many men among the children of Israel, and God had already done so much for them. Yet the children of Israel were afraid of Nash and his army. They needed someone to lead them to have the confidence for victory. Sometimes someone needs encouragement or a leader to succeed.
When have you seen a leader make the difference in the success of an activity?