1 Samuel 31
Our focus is The Book of 1 Samuel Chapter 31 that recorded the Death of King Saul and his Three Sons.
THEME:
“IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW YOU START- IT MATTERS HOW YOU FINISH”
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
1 Samuel 31:3-4
1 Samuel 31:6
Hebrews 9:27
Ecclesiastes 7:8
2 Timothy 4:7
Zechariah 4:9
James 4:14
Key Scripture
1 Samuel 31:3-4, 6
“The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him and he was severely wounded by the archers…..”
Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it”
So Saul, his Three Sons his Armour bearer and all his men died together that same day”
The death of King Saul and his sons was a monumental TRAGEDY!
The Enormity from this Tragedy are as follows:
1. Israel lost the battle
2. Saul and sons died
3. Many other lives lost
4. Destinies shattered
Reflection 1
“Finishing Well”
Certainly on an appointed day, all mortals will die because “It is appointed for men to die once”
(Hebrews 9:27).
The goal therefore should be to FINISH WELL & FINISH STRONG.
The rise to the throne and the tragic end of King Saul is a lesson to us All.
The Preacher advised that the End of a thing is better than the beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit”
(Ecclesiastes 7:8)
Reflection 2
“WHAT WILL I BE REMEMBERED FOR?
(2 Timothy 4:7)
Apostle Paul (With Full Chest) declared :
“I have fought the good fight”
“I have finished the race”
” I have remained faithful”
(2 Timothy 4:7)
When the time comes for you and for me what will we be remembered for?
What shall the verdict of history be?
Consider this Epitaph for Saul:
THE LITTLE MAN
“Here lies SAUL KISH
From Tribe of Benjamin
Long in physical Build
Little in his own eyes
Many Prayers offered for him
Grace located him
Anointed King of Israel
MUCH EXPECTED OF HIM
He despised Grace
He disobeyed The Word
He dishonoured the Lord
He desired the praise of men
He displayed spiritual infidelity
He disgraced the throne
HE DID EVIL
HE DID NOT REPENT
He disqualified his family
He disappointed Destiny.
HE WAS NOT FAITHFUL!
HE DID NOT FINISH WELL!
May we Not be “Tragic Case Studies” like Saul and Samson that started well but did NOT finish well. Amen.
DO NOT FORGET
The hands of Zerubbabel laid the foundation & by God’s Grace, he FINISHED “THIS HOUSE”
(Zechariah 4:9-10)
Prayers
1. “Father, ordinarily, we would have been a MIST that appears for a little time and then vanishes!
We thank you for giving our lives a meaning, please make us part of your BIGGER STORY In Jesus Name. Amen.
(James 4:14)
2. Father, grant us The Grace to fulfil destiny and Finish Well/ Finish Strong In Jesus Name.
Amen & Amen.
