Category: 1 Samuel

Devotional: Tucked In (1 Samuel 25:29)

On By Janine TuggleIn 1 Samuel, Devotional, Old Testament 
When someone pursues you and attempts to take your life, my lord’s life will be tucked safely in the place where the Lord your God protects the living. However, He will fling away your enemies’ lives like stones from a sling. (1 Samuel 25:29 Christian Standard Bible)

Occasionally as I am going to bed, especially when it is cold, I like to get the covers all tucked in on my sides. That reminds me of when my mom would tuck me into bed also, giving me a kiss good night. I remember as a young child, calling for my mom, “come tuck me in!” if she hadn’t done so already.

While studying for this topic, I found this scripture, our text for today in 1 Samuel. The CSB version was about the only version which uses the word “tucked.” All other versions use bound, as in “bound in the bundle of life” (King James Version), or “bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God” (English Standard Version). Bound, meaning as you would tie a bundle of twigs or some other item together. They are tied securely. 

Here we can visualize the concept of security. As one who is tucked into bed by their mother. The child feels secure and safe. There is the feeling and awareness they are loved. Knowing there will be no harm to them.

There’s a story I read once of a mother hen found in the rubble of a burned-down chicken coop. Underneath her wings, and close to her breast, were her little chicks safely tucked away. A precious story and a good example of being tucked in safe and secure from harm’s way.

We can learn from this scripture and these examples, when we have anxiety and pressures from the world, we can be tucked away in the safety of our Lord. We can obtain this security through prayer by asking God “come tuck me in”. Be assured you can be safe in the arms of the Lord.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

Hymn: Safe In The Arms Of Jesus

Devotional: Pumpkins and People (John 7:24)

On By Janine TuggleIn 1 Samuel, Devotional, Old Testament 
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. (John 7:24)

Last year I drove kindergarteners to a pumpkin patch. I walked around looking at all the different kinds of pumpkins they had. There were so many different colors of pumpkins, and different sizes and shapes. It amazed me. I was told by an attendant that this ugly gray one makes the best-flavored pumpkin pie. 

This revealed to me you can’t judge a pumpkin by how it looks on the outside. It’s what is inside that counts. Also, this principle applies to a lot of other things, such as, you can’t judge a book by its cover or people. 

In 1 Samuel 16, for example, we read of the anointing of King David. The Lord told Samuel to go to the house of Jesse. For he said, 

I have provided for myself a king among his sons. (1 Samuel 16:1b)

After Jesse and his first son came to the place where Samuel had invited them, Samuel thought surely this son will be the one. But the Lord said to Samuel, 

Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

There were 7 sons who passed before Samuel, then he asked Jesse “Are there any more sons?” Yes, Jesse said, “he is out keeping the sheep.” Samuel requested to have him brought to him.

David was not the likely one to be chosen in the eyes of Samuel and Jesse. He was the youngest, the baby of the family. He was more likely the smallest of all his brothers, he was a sheep herder. But the Lord chose David. The Lord knew his heart. 

We shouldn’t choose or judge someone by their size, by what they wear, or by the color of their eyes, hair, or skin. We shouldn’t judge by what kind of facial expression they have. They might be in deep thought from bad news or a memory. 

So like those many different pumpkins, we should be careful how we choose and judge. You might just want to pick the ugly gnarly pumpkin. It might be the best one on the inside.

Hymn: “The Gospel is for All”