Are you surrounded by defeat? Salvation is coming.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 11. I've titled this chapter "The First Test of Saul’s Leadership."

Let's set up the scene. Saul has been appointed king. Nahash has besieged Jabesh-Gilead. Saul gives the nation orders to gather and come to the aid of the people of Jabesh-gilead. Then here is what happens in verses 8-9:

When he mustered them at Bezek, the people of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. And they said to the messengers who had come, “Thus shall you say to the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have salvation.’” When the messengers came and told the men of Jabesh, they were glad. — 1 Samuel 11:8-9

Four key details in this short text are insightful about the situation. First, Bezek is on the west side of the Jordan, and Jabesh is on the east side of the Jordan. Second, the two towns are about 10 miles apart, so Saul has an easy march to Jabesh. Third, three hundred and thirty thousand was a massive assembly. In fact, it was the second largest mounting noted in the Bible from the book of Genesis to 2 Kings. Fourth, after they mount to march against Nahash, Saul sends a message to the people of Jabesh that they are hours away from salvation and the defeat of the enemy.

There have been many times in this life when I have felt on the edge of defeat. We have all been there—surrounded, opposed, threatened, and hopeless. You might feel like this right now in your marriage, with your finances, because of a compulsion, due to your health, or in your career. These moments are terrifying. But nothing brightens the eyes and gives hope to the soul more than someone stronger with a message that guarantees deliverance.

In a very natural sense, Saul is going to gather the tribes to rescue the people of Jabesh-gilead. And [spoiler alert] there is going to be a great victory.

But this message of guaranteed victory is just a distant whisper of Jesus's victory over the enemy of sin in this world. Jesus conquered the seed of all sin that led to the oppression and hopelessness depicted in moments like this in Jabesh-gilead. Jesus rescues those who cry to him when they are on the edge of defeat because of sin. My friend, a message of salvation has been proclaimed, and the man of salvation has come, and his name is Jesus. Today, salvation can come to you, led by King Jesus and the angelic armies of God. But you must surrender to him as your Lord to know his total and complete salvation.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. — Acts 4:12

God, I come to you. I call on you as my Savior, recognizing that I am beaten down by the sins of others and the sin that lives in me. I need your salvation from sin. I choose to surrender all my life to you as my Lord and Leader. I will no longer lead my life, and I surrender to your leadership. I receive your eternal salvation and the joy that comes with this message. Amen.

#SalvationInChrist, #VictoryInFaith, #OvercomingDefeat

1. In what areas of your life do you currently feel surrounded by defeat, and how can you invite Jesus into these situations to bring His salvation and hope?
2. How can you share the message of Jesus' victory and salvation with others who may be feeling hopeless or defeated?

Surrender to Jesus's salvation and his Lordship.

Father, Help me to trust in your strength and surrender my battles to you. Amen.

Surrounded (Fight My Battles).