A Judgment Day

Read 1 Samuel 14:46 through 1 Samuel 15 and 1 Chronicles 5:10-22
 
1 Samuel 15: 3 “Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.”
 
THIS is likely one of those Bible verses you’d like to read past or not even consider. Yes, it is difficult to once more see God’s command to completely destroy a people group – even their animals. We saw this in Joshua as the LORD instructed Jericho’s destruction. And elsewhere God issued this command to eliminate all people of particular nations. Many people, including Christians, attack God for this. Some reject God or the entire Old Testament because of these types of passages. How do you understand God’s commands? What might be El Shaddai’s reason for this total death?
   Let’s consider this: Could this be God’s warning to all the world? We know from end-times Scriptures that this kind of destruction is God’s judgment day promise when Christ comes again.
   Yes God promises salvation. And he promises condemnation. The Amalekites had opposed Israel since the time Israel left Egypt. God had promised at that time he would destroy the Amalekites. Exodus 17:14 After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Saul was to be God’s instrument of judgment.
   Always keep in mind he LORD’s focus on human life is eternal. That’s why he made a covenant with Adam to send a Redeemer that would destroy death. Remember, too, all the times Israel has been tempted to worship idols and do detestable acts, violating God’s commands. The human nature is prone to sin. The LORD God Almighty commanded Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites as their judgment day in order to sustain his own people as his possession.
   If you might think God is too harsh or unfair, then consider that the truly fair thing for God to do is to destroy us all. We all are born enemies of God, subject to his wrath. Yes, we can thank God he does not do what is fair. God is so committed to your life he unfairly sent his own holy Son to a complete death on a tortuous cross, so you may have life eternal.
   Do you understand this incredible, sacrificial act God has done? Do you understand God promises judgment as well as salvation? He does and will keep his promises. Let’s be alert, in turn, to keep God’s commands. Samuel lived to consistently say to God, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Saul lived, it seems, to say, “Speak, Lord, and I’ll decide what I want to do.”