God Appointed Authorities

# 199 - Today's Du-votional comes from: 1Sa 14:52-15:1, “Now there was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, he took him for himself. 15:1 Samuel also said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the LORD. (1 Sam 14:52-15:1) The Holy Spirit reminds us here of the prophecy which Samuel spoke concerning the rule of kings in 1Sam 8:11, "This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots.” Saul, in his continual battles with the Philistines strengthened his army by drafting all strong and valiant young men into his service. Having built up his army Samuel approaches Saul with a command from God. He reminds Saul that he is only king because God appointed him king, and as His appointee, He is to carry out God's orders. Oh that all rulers and government officials would understand this and serve God with willing hearts. As it says in Ro 13:1b, “there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. God has given His appointed authorities every opportunity to rule in accordance with His will, but sometimes He will intervene and use the king as His pawn. Pr 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. A classic example in Scripture is Cyrus, who God called by name a full 150 years before he was even born and God said of him, Isa 44:28 “He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure,” And he did, as he was used of God to help rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. Is it any wonder we are commanded to pray for those in authority. Pray for every government official from President to police officer, that they may remember who put them in office and therefore steadfastly seek to rule in line with God's will.