April 10 - Commended by God

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Samuel 8-10; 2 Corinthians 10

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 It is not the one who commends himself who is
approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Paul, in defending his authority to advise the church of Corinth, gives us insight into our OT readings for today: it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends (10:18). Now let’s take that principle and apply it to Samuel, Saul, and our own lives.

Samuel was clearly called by God at a very young age to lead His people. He served God faithfully throughout his life but, when he reached the age of retirement, he made the same mistake as his adopted father Eli. He appointed his sons, even though they were not following God, to rule in his place. This tells me two things: first, it is possible for godly parents to have ungodly children (and it may not always be the parents’ fault - see March 31) and second, having ungodly children does not necessarily negate the parents’ right to lead others (1 Tim. 3:4,5 says it can be a factor but apparently not a disqualifier). Despite Samuel’s poor judgment in appointing his sons, God continued to speak to him and use him.

God commends whom He wants. That also explains why he chose Saul to be king knowing generally what that kind of power would do to a man (8:6-22) and specifically what it would do to Saul in the future. These leaders, Paul, Samuel, and Saul, illustrate how God sovereignly works out His will while factoring in our human will.

For us, this is a reminder that God is the One who calls us into ministry. I have never campaigned for any position I’ve held over my 47 years of ministry. That’s not to say I shouldn’t, or anyone else shouldn’t, pursue ministry. But we do need to realize that ultimately it is God who commends. That doesn’t reduce us to fatalism - God has freely given us free will. But it does replace a spirit of striving and worry with trust and peace.

“Lord, I am so thankful that every position I’ve had has been through Your commendation. I can trust You to lead me and give me opportunities to serve You.”