1 Samuel 18:7-9 – “The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” 8 Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.”
As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was brought face-to-face with two truths desperately needed today.
- Open Doors, open doors.
- What makes Grace Grace is Grace.
Are you confused yet? I hope not. Open doors let things in, both good and bad. For example, in 1 Samuel 18:7-8, King Saul opened the door to jealousy toward David, and through that door walked Fear, Hate, and Murder. A seed sown produces much fruit.
Even in his corrupted state, King Saul (1 Samuel 19:18-24) encountered the power of the anointing and conviction. No, he did not repent, but when he came into the presence of the anointing, he stripped off his clothes and prophesied.
There is symbolism in his act. He removed his covering (identity) and sought to be clean before God. It was a spirit-driven reaction, not a change of heart. Just because someone prophesies does not mean their heart belongs to God; it might simply be the presence of the anointing. What reveals the heart is not what we do in church, but what we do in the marketplace.
What about the 2nd thing? What makes Grace Grace is Grace? Romans 11:6: “But if it is by Grace, it is no longer works; otherwise, grace would no longer be Grace.”
The evidence of our salvation is visible in our lives. If we persist in submitting to the flesh, we testify that God is secondary to us. If He is secondary, He is not LORD. If He is not LORD, we are not His.
Romans 8:5 reminds us that the unsurrendered life focuses on the flesh, the self, pleasure, etc. The focus is on self. The surrendered life focuses on God and takes steps to present our lives and actions to Him in ways that honor Him.
A drunk person told me, “I love Jesus!” Not according to Jesus. He said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” His commandments are not just His words but the inspired words of the Bible. “Be not drunk with wine (any intoxicant)…” We are told to shun the very appearance of evil. Living in adultery, using God’s name in vain, allowing hate, bitterness, and anger to prevail, and presenting an image that does not glorify God is not keeping His commandments.
Here is the beautiful thing. If we come to Him in genuine repentance, He gives Grace! He transforms with our cooperation.
Romans 12:1-2 speaks of transformation. How are we transformed? A renewed mind! We become what we focus on. If we focus on our desires, hurts, pains, or pleasure, we conform to the flesh. If we focus on Jesus, we are transformed into His image and develop His character. Grace produces transformation by Grace. What makes Grace Grace is Grace!
Which will describe us? Flesh or Spirit? Heart or Hand? Grace or Law? The ball is in our court; Jesus is standing at the door waiting. Will we open the door and fully surrender, receiving transformation, or keep it closed and be conformed to the desires of the flesh? He has done His part; will we do ours?
LORD, help us to open the doors and receive the Grace we need!
