Christmas as it is celebrated in our culture in north America is often portrayed in very idealistic terms - a perfect baby who never cries, lying in a cozy crib rather than a feeding trough in a smelly, dirty barn; candles twinkling in the house windows rather than the curtains drawn in darkness for fear of the Roman soldiers; snow gently falling on a winter wonderland rather than the stark reality of life in a morally and spiritually dark era.

In this article we’re going to be looking at the beautiful scene of Mary and Joseph dedicating their baby Jesus to the Lord, and as they do so they encounter an old man and old woman who saw in Jesus not a cute little baby but a crucified Saviour, not a cozy manger but a cruel cross, not the twinkling lights of Bethlehem but the tragic darkness of Calvary.

This passage gives us a final glimpse of Old Testament believers, devout worshippers of God who were living in the anticipation and expectation of the coming of the Messiah, represented here by Simeon and Anna. This is kind of the grand finale of the Old Testament - the end of a magnificent procession of faith from Abraham on; the end of a great expectation of God’s mercy in the Redeemer; the fulfillment of everything that these pious people of faith had anticipated for centuries; the ultimate expression of the love of God to his waiting people.

Here we see the newborn Child, the Savior, not in relation to the innkeeper of Bethlehem, not in relation to the shepherds, not in relation to Herod, not in relation to the magi, but in relation to these two faithful saints. Upon instantly recognizing that Jesus was the Messiah, Simeon utters a profound prophecy about Jesus and Anna speaks a true testimony about Jesus.

Our subject in this passage is “The dedication of Jesus.” As with John the Baptist, so here with Jesus, his birth is directly connected to an old prophecy and to a new future. In this passage we see the truth that God is faithful to his people.

This passage divides into three little scenes. The first is ...

I. The Birth Rites Of Jesus (2:21-24)

Mary and Jospeh are obedient to the two Mosaic birth rites – circumcision and dedication…

A. The Rite of Circumcision (2:21a).

Circumcision on the 8^th day was a requirement of Jewish law. The circumcision of Jesus is important for at least three reasons:

1. It indicates Mary’s obedience to the law.

2. It brings Jesus into a covenant relation with God and the nation, through whom God was accomplishing his redemptive purposes for the world.

3. It connects Jesus to Abraham through whom this religious ritual was instituted (Gen. 17:9-11).

Apart from the Jewish legal requirement, circumcision also has many medical benefits as modern science now knows, such as: (1) On the 8^th day, a baby’s vitamin K levels prevent the baby from bleeding to death; (2) Women married to circumcised men have far lower levels of uterine cancer; (3) Circumcision is hygienically beneficial for preventing infections. In this rite, then, we see the wisdom and love of God, as well as the parents’ devotion to the law of God.

It was customary to name the child at the time of circumcision. In accordance with the angel’s instruction, his name is “Jesus” (2:21). Jesus is the Greek form of “Joshua” in the Old Testament. It was a very common name at that time. It seems that names may have followed trends back then just like today, and undoubtedly every parent wanted a baby like their great leader Joshua. Joshua means “savior” or “salvation.” Perhaps Joshua’s parents called him by that name because they wanted deliverance from the oppression of the Egyptian taskmasters, to be set free from slavery. Perhaps for that reason they named their child Joshua, savior., so they named their child Joshua, savior.

Jesus came to be King, Lawgiver, Prophet, Priest, and Judge, but his name did not reflect those functions either in their position or authority. No, he was named “Jesus,” a name which speaks of mercy, grace, redemption for a lost world, Savior. This is how he wants to be known and the relationship he wants with us, Savior. His name portrayed who he was and his purpose for coming into the world, Savior.

The name of Jesus divides the world. It is precious to those who believe but despised by those who don't believe. But the Bible says that in the final day, the name of Jesus will be revered by every person (Phil. 2:10-11).

Let me ask you: Is the name of Jesus precious to you? Do you know him as Savior? This is a life and death question. You may recognize him as a miracle worker. You may agree that he spoke like no other man. You may acknowledge that he exercised authority over people and nature. But do you know him as Savior? Do you have a relationship with him as your own Savior? Do you believe that he is God come in flesh? Do you believe that he will one day judge the world? Do you know him as your Redeemer from sin, guilt, and Satan’s power? Can you say: “He is my Savior?” Is he the One you turn to for peace of conscience, comfort of heart, rest of soul? Is the name of Jesus a strong tower into which you have run for safety (Prov. 18:10)?

The rite of circumcision is then followed by...

B. The Rite Of Dedication (2:22-24).

For 40 days after the birth, a woman was considered under the law to be defiled. Then after those 40 days, the child was dedicated to the Lord.

God wanted a kingdom of priests. To this end, it was his original intention that the firstborn son of every Israelite family would be set apart (dedicated) to the Lord as a priest. But when all the Israelite families did not obey the Lord in setting aside their firstborn sons for God (Ex. 13:2, 11-12), then God chose instead one family, the Levites of the family of Aaron, all of whose sons would be set apart as priests for God on behalf of the whole nation (Num. 3:11-13).

So, “when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they (Mary and Joseph) brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (2:22). But they didn't do this because he was of the house of Aaron – they did it out of obedience to God’s original requirement that each firstborn son should be dedicated as a priest to God.

According to the law, each dedication was to be accompanied by an appropriate offering to the Lord (2:23), and since Mary evidently could not afford a lamb, she took “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” (2:24), the offering of poor people (cf. Lev. 12:6, 8). Her poverty is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ life. He was born in poverty - not in a palace but in a stable; not in pomp and ceremony but in isolation and neglect. He was dedicated to the Lord in poverty - with an offering of 2 birds. He was brought up in poverty - not as a prince but as a pauper; not as a nobleman’s son but as a carpenter’s son. He lived in poverty - with nowhere to lay his head (Matt. 8:20). He died in poverty - not in a clean hospital attended by doctors and nurses and loved ones but on a cross. He was buried in poverty - in a tomb borrowed from a rich man.

No wonder Jesus has such compassion for the poor! He came to be identified with the poor. He was welcomed into the world by poor shepherds. He honored the generosity of a poor widow who gave her last cent. He set free the poor adulteress who was tormented by her accusers. He warned the rich people about how hard it is for them to enter the kingdom of heaven. He called ordinary working men to be his disciples. He healed poor lepers, the outcasts of society. He cast out demons from a poor, possessed woman. He fed the hungry, protected the rights of the oppressed, responded to the requests of beggars.

It is important for us to notice in these introductory verses the devotion of Joseph and Mary by (1) fully complying with the law of God in having Jesus circumcised “at the end of eight days” (2:21a); (2) fully obeying God in officially naming him Jesus, “the name given by the angel before he was conceived” (2:21b); and (3) fully dedicating their child to God in sacrificially presenting him to the Lord (2:22). In this way, these godly parents sought to do everything to comply with the law as it concerned their baby.

Their devotion to God in seeking to set their child apart for God right from the time of his birth is a wonderful example to us. If you are parents, have you set your child apart for God? Have you done so privately and publicly? It is a privilege for churches to show their support for and fellowship with parents by publicly praying for their young children, dedicating them to the Lord. And it is a show of unity for the church members to draw alongside parents, committing to pray for them and to support them as they seek to raise their children for the Lord.

Well, as Joseph and Mary formally and publicly dedicated Jesus to the Lord, little did they know what awaited them when they arrived in Jerusalem. Here they would meet two people from whom we see how people who have spent their lifetime in devotion and service to the Lord speak and act. From Simeon, we learn things about the destiny of their child, a destiny that for them must have been both frightening and wonderful. And from Anna, we learn that those who are devoted to serving God tell others about Jesus and the redemption that is found in him alone. May this passage encourage us to so use our lives for God.

This first scene, then, concerns the birth rites of Jesus (2:21-24) – his circumcision and dedication to the Lord. Now, the second scene is...

II. The Prophecy About Jesus (2:25-35)

This is the only time we read of Simeon in Scripture; otherwise he is unknown. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Israel was in deep spiritual poverty and moral darkness. There was a very low level of interest in religious things. The Pharisees and Sadducees had perverted their doctrines and practices. But in the midst of spiritual poverty here emerges this “righteous and devout” man, Simeon. “Righteous” indicates his relationship to others and “devout” indicates his relationship to God.

Simeon is in the temple “looking for the deliverance of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (2:25). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord’s Anointed, the Messiah, before he died (2:26). So, having been “directed by the Spirit, he came into the temple” (2:27a) and as soon as Mary and Joseph “brought in the child Jesus” to dedicate him to the Lord “according to the custom of the law” (2:27b), Simeon knew who He was. He took up the baby in his arms and uttered this remarkable song, the last in a line of four songs in Luke – (1) Elizabeth’s song (1:42-45); (2) Mary’s song (1:46-56); (3) Zacharias’s song (1:67-79); and now (4) Simeon’s song.

A. A Vision Of The Savior Causes Simeon To Praise God (2:29-32).

At the end of his life, God blesses this righteous man beyond anything he could have imagined. Simeon is ready to die: “Now, Lord, let your servant depart in peace” (2:29). The appearance of Messiah releases Simeon to die in peace, such is his faith. He grasped the truth that this powerless baby would be the powerful Savior, that this bundle of new life would bring life to dead souls, that this helpless child would save the helpless.

Why did this encounter with Jesus free Simeon to die in peace? Because Simeon knew by faith that the child he held in his arms would submit to death in order to break death’s power and tyranny. He would overcome him who had the power of death, that is the devil (Heb. 2:14). He would abolish death and bring life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Tim. 1:10). Simeon would be the benefactor of Jesus’ great victory at the cross. What was the basis of Simeon’s confidence? Simeon had faith in God’s word in the Old Testament – that gave him absolute confidence. As such…

1. Simeon knew that this Child had come to bring salvation (2:30-31). “My eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples” (2:30-31). He holds in his arms the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior. He sees the One who will deliver God’s people from their sins. He knows that this is the One who has come to set God’s people free. Furthermore…

2. Simeon knew that this Child had come to bring illumination (2:32). He is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (2:32a). He has come to bring the revelation of God to the Gentiles. He has come to give spiritual light and life to the poorest, the most distant, the most undeserving, the most irreligious, and the most immoral people you could imagine.

In addition, this child had come to be “a light…for glory (honor) to your people Israel” (2:32b). Those despised and oppressed people would one day glory in their spiritual privileges and position through this child. Through this child, these sorrowing people, who had cried to God for so long for deliverance, would one day enjoy a place of glory because of who He is and what He has done, for from Israel was born the Savior of the world! What an honor for them that the mother of the Messiah would be this Jewish girl, that from her womb sprang the “seed of David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3), the One who would make atonement for the sins of the world. Here we see again the truth that God is faithful to his people.

To face death without faith in God’s word is the most miserable, hopeless existence. But to die in faith in the Savior sent by God is to be absent from the body and present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8), to be released from the sin, chaos and sadness of life and to be welcomed into Christ’s presence.

Simeon had a clear understanding of the gospel. He had seen with his own eyes God’s “salvation” (2:30) in the person of Jesus. He knew that Jesus was “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (2:32b). Into the midst of religious darkness and political chaos comes the Light who would reveal God to us, the Light to unveil the glory of his people Israel. Simeon knew that this child was the One to whom all history pointed and for whom they waited.

This old man knew more than all the religious leaders. They could have learned from him that without the salvation of Christ they were doomed to eternal condemnation; that without the light of Christ they were doomed to eternal darkness; that without the life of Christ they were doomed to eternal death. This old man knew more than them all. For “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27). No wonder Joseph and Mary “marveled” (2:33) at the words Simeon spoke about their baby. How their hearts must have been filled with pride and joy, but their joy was tempered by the word of prophecy that followed (2:34-35).

B. A Vision Of The Savior Causes Simeon To Prophesy About Jesus (2:34-35).

1. Simeon prophesies about Jesus’ division of the people: “Behold, this Child is destined to be the cause of the fall and rise of many in Israel” (2:34a). Many would “fall” because of Jesus. They would fall because he would be “a stone of stumbling and rock of offence” (Rom. 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:8). He would be a “stumbling block to the Jews” (1 Cor. 1:23a) because they are blinded by their own unbelief and religiosity (2 Cor. 3:13-14), and he would be the object of “foolishness to the Gentiles” (1 Cor. 1:23b) because they are deceived by their own intellect (Rom. 1:22). And many would “rise” because of Jesus. Those who receive him would rise to become children of God. They will rise from spiritual deadness to eternal life.

2. Simeon prophesies about Jesus’ rejection by the world: “Behold this child is destined… for a sign that will be rejected (spoken against)” (2:34b). He would be “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3). He would be the target of all Satan’s attacks. He would be opposed on every side with no one to take pity; betrayed by one disciple and forsaken by all the others; hated by the religious leaders; abandoned by the political powers; failed by the judicial system; rejected by those whom he had blessed. Those who were divided by political animosity became united as friends in opposing and condemning him to death. Those who at one time hailed him as the King coming in the name of the Lord (Matt. 19:38) cried out for his death and the release of a robber instead (Jn. 18:40).

The rejection of Jesus by the world would be to Mary like “a sword piercing (her) own soul” (2:35). Undoubtedly, that’s what she experienced throughout Jesus’ lifetime and finally at the cross. Not only would Jesus be a man of sorrows but Mary, his mother, would be pierced with overwhelming sorrow. We can’t imagine what it must have been like for her at the cross watching her son die and remembering the prophecy of the angels about him: “He shall be great and will be called the son of the highest; and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Lk. 1:32-33). We can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for her, trying to fit this puzzle together.

3. Simeon prophesies about Jesus’ revelation of the heart. The result of Jesus’ rejection by the world would be “that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (2:35b). The people’s treatment of Jesus would reveal the innermost hatred and wicked thoughts of their hearts. And that’s exactly what happened when they cried, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Lk. 19:14).

The coming of Jesus reveals who you truly are. It reveals those who hate the truth and it reveals those who hunger for forgiveness and righteousness. What does the revelation of Jesus reveal about you? “The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). If your innermost being was exposed for everyone to see, what would it look like? Blackness of sin? Hatred of God? Rejection of the gospel? Or, a cleansed heart? The love of God? The acceptance of the gospel?

Are you for him or against him? Are you one who will stumble and “fall” because of him – one who will curse him, deny him? Or, are you one who will “rise” because of him - rise from death to life; rise from darkness to light?

The first scene in this passage is the birth rites of Jesus. The second scene is the prophecy about Jesus. Now, the third scene is ...

III. The Testimony About Jesus (2:36-38)

Like Simeon, Anna is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. Isn't it beautiful that the Spirit of God records in Luke’s orderly and clear account the testimony of an old man and an old woman in affirming the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy concerning the Messiah’s appearance in the temple (Mal. 3:1)?

As Simeon is holding the newborn child, along comes Anna. Notice…

A. Anna’s Character (2:36-37).

She was a prophetess, a blameless, holy woman. This 84 year old woman had been married for seven years and remained a widow for the rest of her life – a very long time (2:36-37a). Undoubtedly during those years as a widow she would have experienced poverty, loneliness, and hardship, but nevertheless she remained devoted to God.

1. Anna served God faithfully. “She did not depart from the temple” (2:37b). Where God was, she wanted to be. Where God’s people were, she wanted to be. The prayer of her life was that of the Psalmist: “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple” (Ps. 27:4).

2. Anna worshipped God sacrificially. She served God with “fasting and prayer night and day” (2:37b). In fasting, what little comfort she may have had, she sacrificed for God. And in prayer, she engaged in ongoing communion with God. God was her Father in deed and in truth.

B. Anna’s Testimony (2:38).

1. Anna’s testimony of thanksgiving to God. “Coming at that hour she began to give thanks to God” (2:38a). Her continuous prayers were finally answered. God had rewarded her lifetime of sacrificial service with the greatest gift she could ever imagine - to see the long looked-for Messiah, to change her faith to sight, to transform her hope into reality.

Remember the teaching of this passage that God is faithful to his people. What a blessing God poured out on this humble, holy woman. Hers must have been joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Pet. 1:8). What an example for us to follow! An example of consistency in spite of calamity, holiness in spite of hardship, prayerfulness in spite of poverty, sacrifice in spite of solitude. Anna is a powerful woman of God. May we all seek to be like her.

2. Anna’s testimony to others. “She began…to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (2:38b). This is the right order isn't it? Her first response is one of thanksgiving to God. Her second response is a testimony to others – a testimony to those with whom she was united in fellowship, those with whom she shared the same hope.

Evidently they used to gather in the temple court. Perhaps they worshipped God together there. Perhaps they prayed together there. Perhaps they spoke of their mutual hope of the coming of the Messiah and their hoped–for redemption (Mal. 3:16-17). Though God had been silent for 400 years, yet he still had a testimony. There was still a faithful remnant of believers who were waiting for redemption. They were marked by faith and hope. They walked by faith not by sight. They lived in hope not despair. They waited patiently not anxiously. They gave sacrificially not selfishly. They longed for the Messiah’s glory not their own well-being.

Doesn’t their character, lifestyle, and attitude speak to us? They looked for redemption in the future, yet we have it already. Just as they looked forward to his first coming, we should look forward to his second coming with hope and certainty. Just as they waited and spoke of their faith and hope in a Savior to come, so we should live and speak of our faith and hope in a Savior who has already come. Just as they longingly waited and watched for the promised Redeemer, so we should longingly and patiently wait and watch for our Savior from heaven, who will complete our redemption (Rom. 8:23).

Final Remarks

The family returned to their home in Nazareth (2:39) and “the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him (2:40). Apart from the incident when he was 12 years old (Lk. 2:41-52), this verse is all Luke says about Jesus’ first 30 years or so of life. All we know about those years is that Jesus grew physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually and “the favor of God was upon him.” During these silent years, Jesus was being prepared for the mission for which he came, “to seek and to save those who were lost” (Lk. 19:10).

So comes to an end this beautiful little scene. In Mary and Joseph we see two godly parents with their newborn baby, faithfully fulfilling the birth rites under the law (circumcision and dedication) and marveling at the prophecy of an old man and the testimony of an old woman concerning the destiny of their child. And in Simeon and Anna we see that, no matter how spiritually and morally dark the days may be, God always has a testimony of faithful believers. God is always faithful to his people.

We know now that Simeon’s prophecy has been fulfilled. Jesus is God’s salvation, the Savior of the world. He has brought us the revelation of God so that we can know him. He has fulfilled his destiny. He is the cause of the fall and rise of many. He does reveal the thoughts of every heart. And, yes, a sword of sorrow did pierce Mary’s soul at the cross. And we know that Jesus has fulfilled Anna’s testimony - he has brought redemption to us through the cross.

The question today is are you looking for redemption? Is that your overwhelming need and desire today to know the Savior who has come and who is coming again? By God’s grace, may you see the truth of this passage today and find eternal redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Autor: Dr. Roger Pascoe, Presidente,
Email: [email protected]

I. El Mensaje que Predicamos: El Mensaje De La Cruz

(1 Cor. 1:17-18)

Lo cierto es que ni la elocuencia ni la prominencia pueden eclipsar la influencia de la cruz. La cruz es el mensaje central que predicamos. De hecho, como lo indica el apóstol Pablo en 1 Corintios 1: 17-18, literalmente predicamos la “palabra” de la cruz, porque la cruz habla por sí. Por lo tanto, para nuestros propósitos, podríamos decir que el ministerio primario de cada predicador es proclamar el mensaje de la cruz.

El apóstol Pablo es claro cuando dice “…pues no me envió Cristo a bautizar” (1:17a). él no se iba a entrar en un concurso de popularidad en la iglesia en Corinto al ser el líder de un grupo selecto que él había bautizado. Su ministerio era “…predicar el evangelio” (1:17b, cf. Hechos 20:24b). Y nosotros también tenemos que asegurarnos de mantener la predicación del evangelio al frente y en el centro de nuestro ministerio.

Es fácil distraerse de nuestra tarea primordial, ¿no es verdad? Si estuviéramos más preocupados con el mensaje de la cruz y la verdad de la Biblia, hubiera menos debate sobre asuntos sin importancia, menos promoción de las opiniones personales, menos desunión en la iglesia, y más resultados para el reino de Dios.

Entonces, a medida que continuamos estudiando el tema de la predicación, primeramente, note que…

A. Nuestro ministerio es sobre predicar el evangelio.

Es sobre predicar el evangelio de tal forma que la cruz de Cristo sea prominente y efectiva. Para que la cruz sea prominente y efectiva en nuestra predicación, tenemos que predicar “no con sabiduría de palabras” (1:17c), no con ingenio de discurso, no con elocuencia influenciadora, no con palabras de sabiduría humana. O, como lo expresa Pablo en el siguiente capítulo, “ y ni mi palabra ni mi predicación fue con palabras persuasivas…, sino con demostración del Espíritu y de poder para que vuestra fe no esté fundada en la sabiduría de los hombres, sino en el poder de Dios.” (1 Cor. 2:2-5).

Nuestra predicación no es para ser con palabras que atraigan el pensamiento cultural o el punto de vista del mundo. La cultura griega de esos días amaba la filosofía (“sabiduría humana”), pero nuestro mensaje no está diseñado para atraer la moda filosófica de la cultura a nuestro alrededor. De hecho, nuestro mensaje es totalmente contracultural.

Nuestra predicación no es para que sea con palabras que impresionen el intelecto, ni palabras altisonantes, ni persuasivas, o argumentos inteligentes que impresionen o engañen la mente. Así nos es como se nos llama a predicar el evangelio, ya que ese enfoque corre el riesgo de hacer “la cruz de Cristo… vana” (17d) – de hecho, trabaja en contra del mensaje de la cruz y aleja a las personas.

Las palabras astutas solo menosprecian el mensaje de la cruz. Estas denigran el significado y propósito de la cruz. Trivializan el evangelio, invalidan la cruz de Cristo. Hacen que no tenga “ningún efecto.” Estas se llevan su poder inherente. Causan que pierdan importancia para las vidas de las personas. Presentan el evangelio de tal forma que no tiene impacto, haciéndolo sin sentido, inválido, vano, vacío.

Nuestro ministerio de predicación, por lo tanto, es primeramente predicar el evangelio. ¿Qué es el evangelio? En su esencia…

B. El evangelio es la palabra de la cruz.

“Porque la palabra de la cruz es locura a los que se pierden; pero a los que se salvan, esto es, a nosotros, es poder de Dios.” (1:18). Eso es lo que predicamos – “la palabra de la cruz.” La palabra de la cruz es el centro del evangelio, es Cristo crucificado (1:23). Pablo dice: “Pues me propuse no saber entre vosotros cosa alguna sino a Jesucristo, y a este crucificado” (1 Cor. 2:2)

Note que es la “palabra” de la cruz- no es el evento, ni la experiencia, no es la pasión, sino la “palabra” de la cruz. Es la “palabra de la cruz” porque la cruz habla. Eso es lo que predicamos – la palabra de la cruz.

1. Predicamos la palabra de la cruz porque ella declara la verdad sobre el pecado. La verdad sobre el pecado es que nos hemos rebelado contra la ley de Dios, nos hemos quedado cortos respecto al estándar de santidad de Dios, hemos fallado en la calificación de los requerimientos de Dios, somos por naturaleza pecadores incorregibles (por nacimiento) y práctica (por comportamiento).

La palabra de la cruz dice claro y fuerte, que somos enemigos de Dios debido a las malas obras (Rom. 5:10, Col. 1:21), que somos enemigos de la cruz de Cristo (Fil. 3:18). La palabra de la cruz expone la verdad sobre el corazón humano, que el “engañoso es el corazón más que todas las cosas, y perverso” (Jer 17:9), que el corazón del hombre soltó toda su furia sobre Cristo en la cruz, que la ira del hombre fue lanzada sobre Dios mismo en la cruz, porque la cruz declara cuan inexpresablemente pecador es el corazón humano cuando la rebelión no se controla.

2. Predicamos la palabra de la cruz porque la palabra de la cruz da respuesta al pecado. A través de la cruz, recibimos el perdón de pecados (Ef. 1:7) – nuestros pecados son deshechos como niebla espesa (Isa. 44:22). A través de la cruz somos liberados del poder y castigo del pecado (Rom. 6:18,22). A través de la cruz Dios nos ofrece el regalo de la vida eterna (Rom. 6:23). A través de la cruz, nosotros, quienes éramos enemigos de Dios, tenemos “paz para con Dios” (Rom. 5:1). Somos reconciliados con Dios por medio de la cruz (Col. 1:20, 21). La palabra de la cruz nos da la respuesta al problema del pecado, porque en la cruz “Al que no conoció pecado, por nosotros lo hizo pecado, para que nosotros fuésemos hechos justicia de Dios en él.” (2 Cor. 5:21). A través de la cruz, “Cristo nos redimió de la maldición de la ley, hecho por nosotros maldición (porque está escrito: Maldito todo el que es colgado en un madero)” (Gal. 3:13). Él llevó sobre sí mismo la maldición de nuestro pecado y murió en nuestro lugar, redimiéndonos así de la maldición del pecado.

3. Predicamos la palabra de la cruz porque la palabra de la cruz expresa el amor de Dios por los pecadores. Cuando Pablo vio lo que Dios había hecho en su vida, solo lo pudo atribuir al amor de Dios. En la cruz, él vio el amor de Dios expresado en toda su plenitud – el amor de Dios que “ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones por el Espíritu Santo” (Rom. 5:5). En la cruz, Pablo vio el amor de Dios del cual nada nos puede separar (Rom 8:39). El apóstol Juan lo pone de esta manera: “En esto consiste el amor: no en que nosotros hayamos amado a Dios, sino en que él nos amó a nosotros, y envió a su Hijo en propiciación por nuestros pecados.” (1 Jn. 4:10)

4. Predicamos la palabra de la cruz porque ésta transmite nuevo significado a la vida. En la cruz, Pablo recibió nueva vida en Cristo (Rom. 5:18-21, 6:23), y en la cruz Pablo sin lugar a dudas vio un nuevo significado para la vida, ya que hubo un tiempo en el que él estaba orgulloso de su herencia judía y celo religioso, pero luego él lo estimó todo como basura con tal de ganar a Cristo. Hubo un tiempo en el que él valoraba su posición terrenal y las posesiones sobre todo lo demás, pero luego él contaba todas esas cosas como pérdida por la excelencia del conocimiento de Cristo Jesús, su Señor (Fil. 3:8).

En la cruz, Pablo fue un nuevo hombre en Cristo, ya que él dijo “De modo que, si alguno está en Cristo, nueva criatura es; las cosas viejas pasaron; he aquí todas son hechas nuevas.” (2 Cor. 5:17). Por medio de la cruz, él había sido llamado a andar “ en vida nueva” (Rom. 6:4). Entonces, la palabra de la cruz transmite nuevo significado a nuestras vidas.

5. Predicamos la palabra de la cruz porque ella declara la proximidad de Dios a nosotros. Él no está distante de nuestro dolor y sufrimiento, sino que Él ha hecho algo al respecto al proporcionarnos un Salvador. Él ha entrado a nuestro mundo de sufrimiento y pena y ha conquistado la muerte. Dios no está desconectado de la humanidad, sino que, en la cruz, Él se ha acercado a nosotros en todos nuestros conflictos y luchas. En la Cruz, Dios se ha acercado a nosotros al encarnarse en carne y sangre humanas para comunicarle una palabra de esperanza, paz, perdón, y reconciliación al mundo que añora su amor. ¡Es por eso que predicamos la palaba de la cruz!

Con Pablo declaramos: “Pero lejos esté de mí gloriarme, sino en la cruz de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por quien el mundo me es crucificado a mí, y yo al mundo.” (Gal. 6:14).

Nuestro ministerio es sobre predicar el evangelio. El evangelio es la palabra de la cruz. Ahora miremos el efecto de esa palabra.

C. La palaba de la cruz divide al mundo.

“Porque la palabra de la cruz es locura a los que se pierden; pero a los que se salvan, esto es, a nosotros, es poder de Dios” (1:18). La cruz de Cristo divide al mundo en dos grupos – los que están pereciendo y los que han sido salvados.

1. Para aquellos que están pereciendo, la palabra de Dios es “locura” (1:18a). ¿Por qué es locura para ellos?

(a) La palabra de la cruz es locura para ellos porque no creen el testimonio de Dios. Ellos conocen a Dios, dice Pablo, por medio del testimonio de la creación en la cual “… las cosas invisibles de él, su eterno poder y deidad, se hacen claramente visibles desde la creación del mundo, siendo entendidas por medio de las cosas hechas, de modo que no tienen excusa. Pues habiendo conocido a Dios, no le glorificaron como a Dios, … sino que se envanecieron en sus razonamientos, y su necio corazón fue entenebrecido.”(Rom. 1:19-21).

Por eso están muriendo, porque ellos no creen en el testimonio de Dios, a pesar de la evidencia y a pesar de Su gracia al manifestárseles claramente en la creación. Ellos prefieren creer en la evolución o en cualquier otra filosofía humana a creer en Dios. Así es como están los incrédulos determinados al negar a Dios que los hizo.

Para los que están pereciendo la palabra de la cruz es locura porque ellos no creen el testimonio de Dios, y …

(b) La palabra de la cruz es locura para ellos porque no entienden la verdad de Dios (cf. 1 Cor. 2:14). Para la mente natural todo el concepto de la cruz no tiene sentido. ¿Cómo podría pagar una persona por el pecado de otra? ¿Cómo podría Dios nacer de una virgen y volverse un hombre? ¿Cómo podría el Hijo de Dios murió en una cruz por nuestros pecados? Tales conceptos son locura para aquellos que se pierden. Pero esa es la manera como Dios escogió salvarnos: “,agradó a Dios salvar a los creyentes por la locura de la predicación” (1:21). En otras palabras, precisamente porque la salvación de un alma a través de la cruz es locura para la mente natural, eso solo puede ser la obra de Dios.

Entonces, la palabra de la cruz para aquellos que están perdiéndose es locura (a) porque ellos no creen el testimonio de Dios, (b) porque no entienden la verdad de Dios, y …

(c) La palabra de la cruz es locura para ellos porque no confían en la manera de Dios de hacer las cosas. La manera de Dios es escoger las cosas locas del mundo para humillar a los sabios (1 Cor. 1:27), como Naamán (2 Reyes 5) y la serpiente en la asta (Num. 21). El hombre nunca puede encontrar a Dios solo con su propio conocimiento, ya que su descubrimiento es una ocurrencia sobrenatural que solo Dios puede generar. Sin la iluminación del Espíritu, la persona natural – como Félix (Hch. 24:25), Festo (Hch. 26:24), y Agripa (Hch. 26:28)- nunca puede entender la verdad y las maneras de Dios. Estos eran hombre inteligentes y alta posición, pero ninguno de ellos creyó la verdad o confió en las maneras de Dios.

Dios tu “…escondiste estas cosas de los sabios y entendidos, y las has revelado a los niños.” (Luc. 10:21, 1 Cor. 1:19). También “… lo necio del mundo escogió Dios, para avergonzar a los sabios; y lo débil del mundo escogió Dios, para avergonzar a lo fuerte; y lo vil del mundo y lo menospreciado escogió Dios, y lo que no es, para deshacer lo que es,” (1 Cor 27-28). Entonces, “Pues mirad, hermanos, vuestra vocación, que no sois muchos sabios según la carne, ni muchos poderosos, ni muchos nobles;” (1 Cor. 1:26). La mente no iluminada por el Espíritu de Dios no puede entender la palabra de la cruz y la voluntad no controlada por el Espíritu de Dios se rehúsa recibirla (1 Cor. 2:14). La salvación es un acto exclusivo de Dios, el propósito y el resultado de esto es que “a fin de que nadie se jacte en su presencia.” (1 Cor.1 :29).

Las malas noticias es que para aquellos que se pierden la cruz es locura y entonces ellos voluntariamente rechazan el mensaje. Jesús dijo: “ y no queréis venir a mí para que tengáis vida.” (Jn. 5:40). Juan el Bautista dijo: “El que cree en el Hijo tiene vida eterna; pero el que rehúsa creer en el Hijo no verá la vida, sino que la ira de Dios está sobre él.” (Jn. 3:36, cf. Jn. 5:12). Entonces, abandonados a sí mismos, la palabra de la cruz es locura para aquellos que se pierden. Esas son las malas noticias. Pero ahora viene la buena noticia…

2. Para aquellos que se salvan, la cruz es “poder de Dios” (1:18b). La buena noticia es que Dios ama a los que se están perdiendo. “…, sino que es paciente para con nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al arrepentimiento.” (2 Ped. 3:9, cf. Jn. 3:16). Es por eso que predicamos la palabra de la cruz – porque es una palabra que trae buenas noticias a aquellos que se salvan.

La Salvación se dice que es pasada, presente y futura. Hemos sido salvos por fe en Cristo y la cruz. Somos salvos a través de la santificación progresiva, siendo hechos más como Cristo. Seremos salvos cuando seamos glorificados y tengamos nuevos cuerpos. Aquí, Pablo está hablando sobre nuestro estado presente al “ser salvos.” Aquellos “que están siendo salvados” son los que han abrazado a Cristo y la cruz, aquellos cuyos pecados son perdonados y, así, son guardados de la ira de Dios, aquellos que cuidan su salvación con temor y temblor (Fil. 2:12), aquellos que están en el viaje hacia el cielo, aquellos que conocen “el poder de Dios” en la cruz. “Porque el poder del evangelio” dice Pablo en Rom 1.:16, “es poder de Dios para salvación a todo aquel que cree”.

Para nosotros “los que se salvan” el mensaje de la cruz es “poder de Dios” (a) porque a través de él hemos recibido el perdón de pecados - ¡eso es poderoso!, (b) porque a través de él hemos sido reconciliados con Dios - ¡eso es poderoso!, (c) porque a través de él hemos sido trasladados del reino de oscuridad al reino de luz -¡eso es poderoso!, (d) porque a través de él hemos sido transformados de estar “muertos en delitos y pecados” a estar “vivos con Cristo” (Ef. 2:5) - ¡eso es poderoso!, y (e) porque él nos ha acercado a Dios cuando estábamos lejos de Él (Ef. 2:13) - ¡eso es poderoso!

Es por eso que predicamos la palabra de la cruz – porque es “poder de Dios para salvación a todo aquel que cree.” Nuestro ministerio se trata de predicar el evangelio. Recuerda nuestra tesis, que el ministerio principal de todo predicador es proclamar el mensaje de la cruz.

Alabado sea Dios por la palabra de la cruz. Ella es “… poder de Dios, y sabiduría de Dios.” (1 Cor. 1:24). Es la Buena noticia de nuestra salvación por gracia a través de la fe (Ef.2:8). Proclamémoslo con poder. Como lo expresó el escritor del himno: “A la vieja cruz escarpada, siempre le seré fiel, Su vergüenza y reproche con mucho gusto llevaré"

Nuestro ministerio principal es predicar la palabra de la cruz, porque “agradó a Dios salvar a los creyentes por la locura de la predicación” (1 Cor. 1:21). De esto se trata la gran comisión – “predicar el evangelio a toda criatura” (Mr. 16:15). El apóstol Pablo pudo decir: “todo lo he llenado del evangelio de Cristo.” (Rom. 15:19). ¿Puedes tu decir lo mismo?

No debemos nunca retroceder en nuestra misión de predicar la cruz. Que esto sea el sello de nuestro ministerio. Cuando hoy muchos (aun los que se hacen llamar evangélicos) están debilitándose y rindiéndose, nosotros debemos “aferrarnos a esa vieja cruz” que en un día venidero “cambiaremos por una corona”.

II. Liderazgo: Ser un Modelo A Seguir Devoto “Ser de Ejemplo Personal en Pensamiento, Palabra, y Hechos”

Llegamos al último de los nueve aspectos de mostrar un carácter devoto a otros. En ediciones anteriores de este Diario del Pastor, hemos mirado en cómo ser un ejemplo de compromiso, constancia, confianza, consagración, compasión, competencia, conducta y conversación. Por último, vamos a mirar ahora lo que significa…

Ser Un Ejemplo En Carácter.

Las credenciales parecen haber tomado el lugar del carácter en nuestra cultura – lo que sabes y puedes hacer han reemplazado a quién eres. Desafortunadamente, pocas iglesias parecen estar enfocadas en el carácter piadoso cuando buscan por lideres ministros, candidatos a pastorales, etc.

¿Qué es “carácter”? el carácter tiene que ver con tus valores, ética, estándares, metas, rectitud. El carácter es tu base inamovible cuando las cosas se ponen duras o cuando la tentación te ataca. El carácter es quién eres cuando nadie te ve. El carácter cristiano tiene que ver con la santidad, rectitud, la piedad.

El ministerio cristiano exige el desarrollo de un carácter piadoso y aun así el ministerio a menudo parece obstaculizarlo. A menudo las presiones para “hacer” sobrepasan y pesan mucho en nuestra necesidad y deseo de “ser”. Hay una brecha entre nuestro caminar con Cristo y nuestro trabajo para Cristo. El tiempo que invertimos en ejecutar el ministerio excede el tiempo que invertimos en desarrollar nuestra espiritualidad y carácter. Pero esto último debe preceder a lo anterior, “ser” viene antes del “hacer”. Si no eres quien Dios quiere que seas, no puedes hacer lo que Dios quiere que hagas. De ahí la calificación del carácter para los ancianos y diáconos (1 Tim. 3:1-13, Tit. 1:6-9).

Necesitamos trabajar conscientemente en ser como Cristo. Eso no pasa por que están en el ministerio o porque eres un líder de la iglesia o profesor de la Biblia. El carácter devoto surge de pasar tiempo con Dios. No hay substituto para esto. Es por eso que el ajetreo es tan destructivo para la efectividad en el ministerio. El ajetreo es probablemente uno de las piezas maestras de ataque de Satanás a la iglesia, a nuestro ministerio. Si Satanás puede debilitar nuestra relación con el Señor, él ha debilitado nuestro ministerio y el impacto que podemos tener para Dios. Los discípulos pasan tiempo con su líder y maestro (cf. Mr. 3:13-14).

Desarrollar el carácter es el resultado de ser un ejemplo en compromiso, consagración, consistencia, confianza, compasión, competencia, conducta, y conversación. Nuestro carácter es ser una expresión del carácter de Cristo – “… hasta que Cristo sea formado en vosotros,” (Gal. 4:19). La manera en que vivimos (lo que hacemos) y lo que somos (nuestros valores) han de reflejar la manera como Cristo vivió y quién es él. Así, hemos de ser la presencia de Cristo en la tierra. Solo podemos reflejar el carácter de Cristo si lo conocemos a él íntimamente. Por eso, el apóstol Pablo dice, “Poned la mira en las cosas de arriba, no en las de la tierra” (Col. 3:2). Se Cristo céntrico, vive sometido al Espíritu Santo y a la imagen de Cristo. ¿El fruto del Espíritu es evidente en tu vida (Gal. 5: 22)? ¿estás teniendo la imagen de Dios en tu vida? ¿Eres conocido por tu carácter y conducta devota, como hospitalario, amable, humilde, manso, santidad, dominio propio? ¿eres “irreprensible” (1 Tim. 3:2) en tu reputación? O, ¿eres conocido como alguien que vive para satisfacer los deseos de la carne (Gal. 5:19-21)?

Cuando la prueba viene en tiempos de presión y dificultad, el carácter piadoso y los valores bíblicos te van a diferenciar y mantenerte en el curso, para que así tomes las decisiones correctas con las razones correctas.

Hay cuatro áreas del carácter en particular que son vitales para el ministerio y el testimonio cristiano…

1. Integridad. La integridad es franqueza, honestidad, rectitud, imparcialidad. ¿Por qué el apóstol Pablo nos instaba diciendo: “Ten cuidado de ti mismo” (1 Tim. 4:16)? Porque uno no puede dirigir a otros a la fe o llevar al pueblo de Dios a la adoración o interceder por otros o instruir adecuadamente a otros, a menos que su propia vida sea recta, limpia, honesta, abierta. Un líder cristiano tiene que tener integridad. Tu vida entera tiene que mantenerse unida – sin brechas, sin inconsistencias, sino unida como un todo.

La integridad nunca va a tomar decisiones que le agraden a la gente sino a Dios (Ef. 6:6-7), Col. 3:22-23), 1 Tes. 2:4). La integridad hace lo que es correcto, no importa el costo. La integridad nunca estará atrapada en un conflicto de intereses. Eso podría significar rechazar el amable intento de alguien a que estés en deuda con esa persona. La integridad va de la mano con la sinceridad- no es ser falso sino transparente, no es ser hermético sino abierto, no es ser engañoso sino directo.

2. Valores (ética). Fijar altos estándares. Establecer un Código ético. Definir tus valores. ¿Qué cosas son importantes para ti? ¿Qué doctrinas son importante para ti? ¿Qué tipo de vida e ideas son importantes para ti y cuáles no negociarás ni comprometerás? En otras palabras, ¿Cuáles son tus valores fundamentales?

Tus valores son definidos mayormente más claramente por tus acciones. ¿En qué gastas tu dinero? ¿En qué gastas tu tiempo? ¿Quiénes son tus amigos? ¿De qué hablas? ¿Qué es lo que piensas? ¿Por qué causas arriesgarías tu empleo? ¿Por qué causas irías a prisión?

3. Valor. El valor es hacer lo que es correcto, aún ante la presión y oposición, la crítica, o el fracaso. Recuerda: “Porque no nos ha dado Dios espíritu de cobardía, sino de poder, de amor y de dominio propio” (2 Tim 1:7). El liderazgo cristiano no es fácil. Requiere ser coraje.

Requiere tener el valor de tomar decisiones difíciles, hacer lo que es correcto sin importar las consecuencias. Claramente, buenas decisiones hechas dependiendo de Dios es el distintivo de un buen líder espiritual- como Abraham durante la crisis de Sodoma y el rescate de Lot (Gen. 14:14f), como Moisés cuando decidió renunciar a los placeres y poder de Egipto (Heb. 11:24-26), como Pablo en la tormenta (Hch. 27).

Siempre que te enfrentes a una encrucijada, serás un ejemplo de sea valor o cobardía. David fue un ejemplo de valor cuando enfrentó a un león y un oso cuando estaba cuidando las ovejas. Mas tarde, David demostró ese mismo valor cuando se enfrentó a Goliat. Jonás, sin embargo, fue un ejemplo de cobardía. Él tomó la decisión equivocada y fue en la dirección contraria. Aun así, Dios lo restauró y lo usó con valentía. Daniel fue un ejemplo de valor, experimentando un horno ardiente en vez de comprometer su fe en Dios.

Se requiere de valor para tomar decisiones duras y se requiere de valor para tratar con situaciones difíciles, para enfrentar obstáculos y ataques de otras personas de Satanás. Se requiere de valor para manejar la crítica y la oposición. Se requiere de valor para predicar cuando has sido evidentemente criticado por personas durante la semana. Dios le dijo a Jeremías: “Tú, pues, ciñe tus lomos, levántate, y háblales todo cuanto te mande; no temas delante de ellos, para que no te haga yo quebrantar delante de ellos. Porque he aquí que yo te he puesto en este día como ciudad fortificada, como columna de hierro, y como muro de bronce contra toda esta tierra, contra los reyes de Judá, sus príncipes, sus sacerdotes, y el pueblo de la tierra” (Jer. 1:17-19).

Nuestro valor para afrontar la crítica y la oposición viene del Señor. La crítica es el peor enemigo para agotarte. Ella amplifica tus inseguridades, te desvía la mirada de tu labor y de ti mismo, agota tu energía y entusiasmo, te hace estar a la defensiva, te aísla.

Es por eso que la crítica destructiva, negativa es una herramienta de Satanás. Creo en la corrección bíblica, en la reprensión, y en la exhortación (2 Tim. 4:2), pero la crítica destructiva no está en la lista aquí. La crítica usualmente sobre lo que no le gusta y no quiere la gente, no sobre lo que honra a Dios o beneficia a su pueblo. La crítica puede distorsionar tu punto de vista del ministerio y de las personas a las que ministras.

Se requiere de valor para perseverar en tiempos de desánimo espiritual, para mantenerse cuando piensas que eres un fracaso, cuando trabajas duro, pero parece que nadie escucha o responde.

4. Humildad. La humildad cristiana se refleja en la fiabilidad, la amabilidad, y la humildad del servicio. Es la actitud de Juan el Bautista cuando comparándose con Jesús dijo, “Es necesario que él crezca, pero que yo mengüe.” (Jn. 3:30). Paulo lo expresa así: “Porque yo soy el más pequeño de los apóstoles, que no soy digno de ser llamado apóstol, porque perseguí a la iglesia de Dios” (1 Cor. 15:9, cf. Ef. 3:8, 1 Tim. 1:15). La advertencia de Pablo para nosotros es, “Nada hagáis por contienda o por vanagloria; antes bien con humildad, estimando cada uno a los demás como superiores a él mismo” (Fil. 2:3).

Es fácil volverse orgullo en el ministerio, particularmente si hay señales externas de éxito en términos mundanos (como el aumento en los número o nuevas construcciones). Predicar, particularmente, puede ser una experiencia que conlleve orgullo, especialmente cuando las personas afirman tu don. Estamos en problemas en el momento en que comenzamos a creer que es por nosotros (nuestras credenciales o méritos). “Dios resiste a los soberbios, y da gracia a los humildes” (St. 4:6, 1 Ped. 5:5). “Humillaos, pues, bajo la poderosa mano de Dios, para que él os exalte cuando fuere tiempo” (1 Ped. 5:6). Cuando sea tiempo, Él te exaltará- no tú mismo.

Conclusiones Sobre El Carácter (tomado de John MacArthur, Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry (Redescubriendo el Ministerio Pastoral), 95-101). Note cinco rasgos del carácter a ser evitados (Tit. 1:7-8): (1) No ser obstinado (generalmente esta es la característica subyacente de la crítica), (2) no ser irascible, (3) no ser dado al vino, (4) no ser violento, (5) no codiciar el dinero. Y luego siete rasgos del carácter a ser adoptados (Tit. 1:8-9): (1) Hospitalario, (2) amante de lo que es bueno, (3) sobrio (sensible), (4) justo, (5) santo, (6) dominio propio, (7) retenedor de la palabra fiel tal como ha sido enseñada.

Desafío final: ¿Qué tipo de modelo a seguir eres? ¿Cuándo otros te ven, qué ven? – un ejemplo en compromiso, consistencia, confianza, consagración, compasión, competencia, conducta, conversación y carácter? ¿Ven santidad, oración? Y cuando te examinas a ti mismo ¿qué ves?

III. Boceto de Sermón

Hasta el momento, he publicado en este diario una serie de sermones del evangelio de Juan concernientes a las obras sobrenaturales de Jesús (milagros):

1. Juan 2:1-11, Transformando el agua en vino: Lo mejor está por venir

2. Juan 4:46-54, Sanando al hijo del noble: Lo extremo para nosotros es la oportunidad de Dios

3. Juan 5:1-47, Sanando al paralítico: Saliendo de tu Betesda.

4. Juan 6:1-14, Alimentando a los cinco mil: ¿Cuán grande es tu dios?

5. Juan 6:16-21, Jesús caminando sobre el agua: Redescubriendo a Jesús.

6. Juan 9:1-41, Un hombre llamado Jesús.

Ahora, hay un esbozo para la séptima obra sobrenatural final registrada por Juan…

Título: Las Demoras de Dios No Son Necesariamente Un No (Juan 11:1-44)

Asunto: La resurrección de Lázaro de los muertos

Tema: Cuando golpea la crisis, Dios no siempre responde inmediatamente

Punto #1: A veces Dios se tarda para mostrarnos…

a) … su amor (1-3)

b) … su gloria (4-6)

c) … sus propósitos (7-16)

Punto #2: A veces Dios se tarda para enseñarnos…

a) … la verdad sobre sí mismo (17-27)

b) … la verdad sobre nosotros (28-37)

c) … la verdad sobre la fe en Él (38-44

I am really having a hard time understanding what Saul did wrong with regards to fighting the Philistines. On the one hand, God gave him the “go ahead” to attack the Philistines, BUT…before he was to wage this assault he was instructed to wait 7 days at Gilgal for specific instructions from Samuel, and Samuel was late...so Saul did what he had to do, it seems. Were Samuel’s instructions not in-line with God’s ? Was Samuel not on the same page with God. I can see how Saul was confused. Confusion causes fear. Or was it more because the King was not to act as a priest(Samuel) and offer a burnt offering? God said that Saul was free to commence war, was he not also free NOT to commence war if he chose?

Answer

Samuel’s instructions to Saul in 1 Samuel 10:8 are clear. Saul is to wait for Samuel in Gilgal for seven days, until he comes. It was the priest who should offer sacrifices, not Saul, but beyond this, Saul was to wait for Samuel to come so that he could give him instructions about what he should do.

There was a two-fold foolishness on Saul’s part, and Samuel’s rebuke for this makes it clear that Saul was wrong. His later disobedience in chapter 15 becomes additional evidence that he is not one to be Israel’s king.

Saul’s foolishness is set beside Jonathan’s faith in the passage between Samuel’s instructions to Saul and Samuel’s later rebuke of Saul. It is clear that Jonathan responded very differently to the size and strength of the Philistine forces. He trusted God to bring the victory:

6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.” (1 Sam. 14:6 NAU)

Saul acted out of fear, and on impulse. He called for the priest, to see what God wanted him to do, and then chose to dismiss him and act on his own wisdom (or lack of it):

16 Now Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away; and they went here and there. 17 Saul said to the people who were with him, “Number now and see who has gone from us.” And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. 18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God was at that time with the sons of Israel. 19 While Saul talked to the priest, the commotion in the camp of the Philistines continued and increased; so Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. (1 Sam. 14:16-21 NAU)

Saul’s foolishness is further evidenced by his command that no one eat until they gained the victory over the Philistines:

24 Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day, for Saul had put the people under oath, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food before evening, and until I have avenged myself on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food. 25 All the people of the land entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. 26 When the people entered the forest, behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under oath; therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. 28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly put the people under oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food today.’” And the people were weary. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 “How much more, if only the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found! For now the slaughter among the Philistines has not been great.” (1 Sam. 14:24-30 NAU)

Saul’s order not to eat resulted in his men sinning by eating meat without pouring out the blood (1 Samuel 14:32). Notice Saul’s foolishness and disregard for God’s guidance after this:

Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” So the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Wilt Thou give them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day. 38 And Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today. 39 “For as the LORD lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not one of all the people answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” 41 Therefore, Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. 42 And Saul said, “Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and said, “I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!” 44 And Saul said, “May God do this to me and more also, for you shall surely die, Jonathan.” 45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die, who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan and he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place. (1 Sam. 14:36-46 NAS)

Before God spoke (God was “late” in Saul’s mind), Saul came up with his own plan, which put the blame on Jonathan, and made him worthy of death (in Saul’s mind).

Saul is consistently described and fearful and foolish, and not intent on knowing or following God’s instructions.

See if this does not make sense as you read through the life of Saul. And remember, when you get to the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), that Saul was Israel’s Goliath (1 Samuel 9:1-2), yet he was too fearful to attack Goliath, as David did in faith.

So, back to Saul not waiting for Samuel. Saul was fearful and foolish, acting without God’s guidance through Samuel, and taking on a task (offering a sacrifice) which was not his right to do.

Hope this helps,

Bob