The Bible in 90 Days
Day 20: 1 Samuel 2:30-15:35 || Read the CEB online
“I’m a Benjaminite,” Saul responded, “from the smallest Israelite tribe, and my family is the littlest of the families in the tribe of Benjamin.” (1 Samuel 9:21 CEB)
Sometimes you hear about famous athletes who were born into modest or even poor families. Sometimes you hear how those athletes do extremely well, are wise with their money, do wonderful things for their community, & bring honor and provision to their family. Sometimes you hear how things don’t go that well. And sometimes you hear this phrase, in either case: “Don’t forget where you came from.”
It’s not a threat, not usually. Often, it’s a reminder to spread the wealth, that the community which helped you succeed is in need of your benevolence, that you can help others succeed also. But it’s also a reminder about the values that shaped your early years–generosity, benevolence, forgiveness, hard work, focusing on fundamentals, & the like. Don’t forget where you came from.
Saul is a big guy, a handsome guy, a strong guy. He knows what his social position is–low. Sadly, this doesn’t enable his noblest impulses for the most part. It gives him a chip on his shoulder. It makes him arrogant, not humble. He forgets where he came from.
What from your past is your greatest strength? Weakness?
What’s the difference between staying generous/humble or growing arrogant/selfish?
Share your thoughts in the comments below,
and don’t forget to pray for Doug, Jared, & Haley in Haiti this week!
Leave a Reply