Dearly Beloved, TIME TO KEEP SILENT "There is a time for everything. a time to be silent and a time to speak." (Eccl 3:1, 7, NIV). "Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent" (1 Sam 10:26-27, NIV). Samuel has just publicly anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. The people were happy that they had had what they wanted. Some even immediately enlisted themselves into his service. However, some worthless fellows looked down on him. They even voiced out their displeasure to the kingship of Saul: "How can this one deliver us?" (1 Sam 10:27, NASU). They scorned him and did not give him the honor due to him. Saul nonetheless did something that is noteworthy. The Bible says he kept silent. There are times that we also have to keep silent to some criticisms and disapproval. We should know that all people cannot love us and approve what we are doing. Saul kept silent and waited till when God would vindicate him. The time did come. The man that was despised now turned a deliverer when the Ammonites came to disgrace the people of Israel (see 1 Sam 11). Remember the psalmist's prayer: Meanwhile my enemies are trying to kill me. They plot my ruin and spend all their waking hours planning treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats; I am silent before them as a man who cannot speak. I have nothing to say. For I am waiting for you, O Lord my God. Come and protect me (Ps 38:12-15, TLB). No matter the accusation of people, if you are right, let God vindicate you. Silence, they say, sometimes, is the best answer to a fool. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). _________________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). +234 805 515 9591 http://www.afolabayo.org/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/ "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV). _________________________________________________ FindLaw - Free Case Law, Jobs, Library, Community http://www.FindLaw.com Get your FREE @JUSTICE.COM email! http://mail.Justice.com