SATURDAY February 23, 2019
Stalling for Time
Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you may do with us whatever seems good to you.” So it was, on the next day, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and killed Ammonites until the heat of the day. And it happened that those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.
1 Samuel 11:10-11
The Ammonites, led by Nahash, came against the people of Jabesh. Fearful, the men of Jabesh wanted to make a covenant with the Ammonites, but Nahash gave them one condition. He wanted to pluck out their right eyes, crippling them. The elders of Jabesh asked for more time; maybe other men in Israel would be willing to save them. If no help came from anyone, then they would face their enemies.
The men of Jabesh made it seem to the Ammonites as though no one was coming; they told the Ammonites they would be presenting themselves to them the next day. At that time, their enemies could do whatever they wanted to do to them. What were the people of Jabash actually doing? They were stalling for time. Meanwhile, King Saul had gathered the men of Israel for battle to help them.
Notice, King Saul, as a leader, organized his troops. Saul stationed his men in three complete ranks; he knew exactly how to set up his men for battle against the Ammonites. King Saul strategized against the enemy, so Israel would not be defeated––they would get the victory. He planned a surprise attack, and sent his troops against the Ammonites during the morning watch, from about 2:00 am – sunrise. Saul led Israel to victory because of the Lord. God was with the king.
A good leader needs to be organized in their strategy to defeat the enemy. In a spiritual warfare, what kind of leader are you? Do you plan a winning strategy against your enemies so you are not defeated?
Worldliness, sinful pleasures and personal ungodliness have often been the cause of the church’s disgraceful surrender to the enemy.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!