This past week I have been reading in the book of 1 Samuel. I have always admired Samuel’s spirit and devotion to God.
In chapter 15, God sent Saul to destroy the Amalekites. In verse 3, God says “3 Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.” Saul did go and defeat the Amalekites, but he spared the King and the best of all the animals. Samuel confronted Saul, but Saul said he had done “all that God had commanded.” Saul could not see how his pride and greed had blinded him to what God told him to do. God then tells Samuel that He has rejected Saul as King over Israel. 10 Then the LORD said to Samuel, 11 “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the LORD all night.
Notice Samuel’s response to God’s denouncement of Saul; “Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the LORD all night.” That is an incredible reaction. Samuel cared so much for Saul and the people of Israel that he suffered for them as God rejected Saul and set about establishing David. His ability to empathize is something I have not yet reached to that level, but the men I serve with as your elders are men that truly DO suffer for you in prayer and in spirit.
We meet, virtually, every Tuesday night and spend much time in prayer over this body at Mandarin. These men are teaching me how to develop this kind of spirit, to become more like Jesus. I look forward to growing with these men, and both you and I are privileged to have them as elders here at Mandarin. Please keep all of us in your prayers. It is our desire to serve you beyond our ability, and we thank you for your love of Jesus and your hearts to help others.
-Chip Meghee