As we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Saviour this season, I would like to share a passage of scripture that reverberates the message of Easter.
But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.” 1 Samuel 11:13
In the above passage, Saul had gone into battle to prevent a besieged city from being captured. When the Jabesh-gileadites were being talked into surrendering to Nahash the Ammonite, their response was:
“Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue us, we will surrender to you.”.” 1 Samuel 11:3.
Give us 7 days! I won’t go into much detail about the significance of the number 7; however, it is worth noting that it represents divine perfection and completion. Jabesh was, in other words requesting a full cycle to consider her options. 6What premature conclusions they could avert, what bad decisions they would change if granted sufficient time. There are 2 wisdom nuggets here:
Time is crucial – change can be made and sustained within available time but lost time cannot be regained.
People are invaluable – people are God’s extension on earth. Till the next time God sends manna from heaven, bakeries and bakers are in business.
Can you imagine what would have happened to the people of Jabesh if they had not negotiated for more time or engaged the people in their network? I dare you to make a demand on time and people the next time you find yourself in a tight corner, you’ll be amazed at the results.
But when the right time came, God sent his Son. Galatians 4:4a
Saul delivered the people by fighting with the sword. Although he put his life on the line, he never lost it but Jesus sacrificed his life for our deliverance and did not fight to save it in the process. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; took the humble position of a slave and became mortal.
“The Father loves me because I lay down my life that I may have it back again. No one can kill me without my consent—I lay down my life voluntarily. For I have the right and power to lay it down when I want to and also the right and power to take it again. For the Father has given me this right.” John 10:17-18
We’re alive today because Jesus died in the same way Jabesh did not go into captivity on account of Saul. Just as Jesus was despised, rejected and acquainted with sorrow, Saul too had his fair share. But when presented the opportunity to execute his sneerers (seems like justice), he showed mercy.No death, he said because the price has been paid. God has rescued! Paul reflects this thought in his letter to the Romans:
For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were rec6onciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 5:10; 6:23.
You can literally take this word and apply it as you see fit. No death for you could be no bankruptcy… no sickness… no debt…no lack …no delay…. no unfortunately …. No to anything that is contrary to what you are trusting and believing God for.
I am going to leave you with Jesus’ words through John:
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Prophesy! No death where there are signs of occurrence and no more death for recurrence.