Today you should read: 1 Samuel 31
First of all, our pastor turns 50 today! Tim: we are all blessed by you and your leadership at CPC. Thanks for being a great servant of God to our church.
Today’s passage walks us through the last days of Saul. He had his ups and downs as king (probably a few more downs than ups), and now he would have to face death. Plus, God’s favor was clearly with David. We learned this in yesterday’s reading and post as he defeated the Amalekites. Saul was with a portion of the army at Gilboa, and the Philistines were coming after him. Fear overtook him, and he chose to take his own life so as not to be given into the hands of his enemy.
This is a tragic lesson in leadership. There had been a point in his life where Saul was anointed as king. Eventually his jealousy and lack of faith led him to this moment. A few chapters earlier, Samuel foretold the type of death he was facing, and instead of turning to and confiding in the Lord, he was crippled by fear. It led to suicide.
This lesson is a vital one for all of us to learn. When we let our sin fester and allow pride to rule our lives, we will face difficult consequences. God doesn’t owe us anything. We are disobedient and sinful, spiritually bankrupt. All we have to cling to is Christ.
The cool thing that happens in this passage is that the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead wouldn’t let any more dishonor come to Saul. The Philistines were making a mockery of his body, but they stepped in and put an end to it. But why would they do this? Because in chapter 11, Saul spared their lives. They were grateful for what he did for them, and they paid it forward. They rescued the remains of his body, and later on, David would give Saul a proper burial.
Church, the application is simple today…
Let’s walk closely with Jesus today and rely on Him for everything we face. Let’s learn from the life of Saul that choosing our own way can be utterly devastating.
Posted by: Todd Thomas
JumpstartCPC.com 
I love what my accompanying commentary said this morning. “Saul tried to please God by spurts of religiosity, but real spirituality takes a lifetime of consistent obedience.” It can be a bit overwhelming when our perspective is a “lifetime.” However, heroic spiritual lives are build by stacking days of obedience one on top of the other. Our small acts pile up to eventually build a huge wall of strong character, one that will protect us when we need it most. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHEPHERD!
First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR TIM!! Thanks for being our pastor. Thanks Todd for this makes us sit up and take notice. To obey God and to draw our walk with him closer and closer. Let him direct our path is the only way to go. I love jumpstart it keeps me thinking and focus.
Happy Birthday Brother Tim! May God continue to fill you with His Holy Spirit and guide you as you shepherd our church. You are a blessing to us and you inspire us to bless others.
Amen Wanda & Steve! Happy 50th Birthday Tim Parsons! (you don’t look a day over 49. ha! ha!) We love you and are so thankful for your obedience to follow God’s call to Lexington and start CPC. My family has been blessed more than you can possibly imagine. Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for all the sweet Birthday comments – and thanks for telling everybody Todd (you could have left the age part off!). Very thankful for all of you!!
HAHA happy birthday friend! 50 is a good milestone — the Lord has been good to you. Be proud!
Yes, ‘Bless you dear One for leading this church and many others to Christ. Happy Birthday.
Thanks Donna!