The voice of the LORD--or the voice of the people?

The Word for today: 1 Samuel 31
mark this: 31:1-5

There is, day by day, a choice to be made. We can choose to act upon the voice of the LORD or we can choose to act upon the voice of the people.

The word of the world is all around us. It blares from earphones and car speakers, from television and computer screens, from politicians seeking power--and even from some pulpits, where many a preacher pursues his own popularity. It's coming from Hollywood, New York, Washington, London. You'll hear it at the lunch table at work. You'll hear it at church picnics, as well.

The word of the LORD is in your hands as you follow the winding course of scripture from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21.

Samuel urged Saul to heed the voice of the words of the Lord (1). If you do not obey the voice of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you (2).

But Saul feared man more than God:
I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord because I feared the people and obeyed their voice (3).

Saul's sad story ends here on the heights of Mt. Gilboa, overlooking the valley of Jezreel, with Jonathan slain beside him. His story is a reminder that the fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe (4).

Joshua had told the people to choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve--whether the LORD or the false gods of the Canaanites (5).

In the same way, may I urge you to choose for yourselves this day whom you will listen to--whether the Word of the LORD, or the word of the world.

(1) 1 Samuel 15:1; (2) 1 Samuel 12:15; (3) 1 Samuel 15:24; (4) Proverbs 29:25; (5) Joshua 24:15