SOAP 04/21/2014; 1 Chronicles 8:34

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57, 58; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8

S) "³⁴ The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal became the father of Micah. ³⁵ The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea and Ahaz. ³⁶ Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri; and Zimri became the father of Moza. ³⁷ Moza became the father of Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. ³⁸ Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. ³⁹ The sons of Eshek his brother were Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second and Eliphelet the third. ⁴⁰ The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons and grandsons, 150 of them. All these were of the sons of Benjamin."

1 Chronicles 8:34 (NASB)

O) "Merib-baal" translates to "Contender with Baal," and he is the first proof of David keeping his word to Jonathan. The excerpt goes on to list more than 10 generations from Saul. This is a reminder to keep our word with others, but also a testament to the power of our commitments, when God is behind them. Truly, it is a testament to God's sovereignty.

A) First, I need to be faithful with my word, whether to God or people. If I say I am going to do something, I must follow through with it. It should be this way with all of my commitments to people and God, without embellishment or dramatic statements (see James 5:12). This should be matter-of-fact, and I should be trustworthy. The next step, is to pray about my commitments, so that I am committing them, then, to God. David had no direct way to ensure the line of Jonathan, in and of himself. However, this was a promise that they made, together with God, which is ultimately what made it the covenant that it was.

P) Father, discipline my tongue, and also my will to keep my word, to be trustworthy. Help me commit to You, what I say to others. When I say, "I will," hold me accountable, Lord. I want to have the self discipline to carry out my commitments, but if it takes the discipline of a father, then treat me as a son, and do not withhold Your hand to correct me, Father. And, like David did for Jonathan, please safeguard my generations. Like Jonathan's son, may my own son be a contender against idolatry? Thank You for Your grace and mercy.  In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.