| Series | Promises and resolutions |
|---|---|
| Theme | 1. Bad promises - Folafolaga lē lelei |
| Colour | Lanu Meamata |
| Special Day | Tausaga Fou (New Year) |
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuelu 14:24-30
The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food until it is evening, and I am avenged of my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food. All the people came into the forest; and there was honey on the ground. When the people had come to the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan didn’t hear when his father commanded the people with the oath: therefore he put out the end of the rod who was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. Then one of the people answered, and said, “Your father directly commanded the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food this day.’” The people were faint. Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if perhaps the people had eaten freely today of the plunder of their enemies which they found? For now has there been no great slaughter among the Philistines.”
- 1 Samuel 14:24-30 (WEB)
Study:
This passage reveals the dangers of rash promises. Saul, driven by pride and a desire for vengeance, imposed a hasty oath on his army – no one was to eat until evening and he had avenged himself on the Philistines. This promise, made without seeking God’s guidance, almost led to the army’s collapse through weakness. Jonathan, disobeying this oath after tasting honey, recognized the folly of his father’s decree. A promise made in haste, without considering its consequences or God’s will, can be detrimental and even harmful. The Israelites were distressed and fainting because they were bound by Saul’s self-imposed restriction. Jonathan’s act wasn’t simply disobedience; it highlighted the flawed logic and negative impact of Saul’s promise.
Application:
As we begin a new year, it’s common to make resolutions and promises. However, like Saul, we can fall into the trap of making commitments without careful thought or reliance on God. This story serves as a reminder that promises should be made with wisdom and discernment. It is important to consider whether we have the strength and resources to fulfil them, and, perhaps more importantly, to ask whether they align with God’s will. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to avoid making promises we cannot keep, or to re-evaluate existing commitments that are causing harm or hindering us from following God’s path.
Reflection Questions:
- What promises have you made, either to yourself or others?
- Are those promises realistic and sustainable?
- Have you sought God’s guidance before making these commitments?
- Are there any promises you need to re-evaluate or adjust?
- How can you discern between commitments that are God-honoring and those that are driven by pride or fear?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve made rash promises or commitments. Help us to seek Your wisdom and guidance in all our plans and resolutions. Give us the discernment to know what promises to make, and the strength to keep those which are aligned with Your will. Help us to live a life of integrity, where our words reflect our actions, and where we are faithful to the commitments we make in Your name. Amen.
Tags: 1 Samuel, promises, resolutions, new year, oaths, discernment, commitment, Saul, Jonathan, Bible study, faith, promises and resolutions