Introduction

Good day to all! Let us delve into 1 Samuel Chapter 11. My initial assessment suggests that the theme of this chapter revolves around God as the God who grants us victory, or God as the God of salvation, or victory through the Spirit of God. In truth, this is the essence of the entire Bible, which may seem redundant to state. Some may argue that the theme is: God honors the king He has established! I propose we narrow it down and define the theme of this chapter as: God creates opportunities for Saul to establish his kingship.

It is crucial to recognize that God's actions are complete and thorough. God had previously promised to establish a king for the Israelites, and although He was displeased with the request, once God makes a promise, He will fulfill it. Observe the faithfulness of our God. Our God would not abandon the establishment of the kingship merely because Saul returned home to tend to his cattle. God did not say, Well, Samuel has already anointed Saul as king, and the Spirit of God has been poured upon him, and Saul has prophesied. After all this effort, Saul returns home to herd cattle, so let us consider this matter closed! But the matter is not concluded. The establishment of a kingdom is not yet complete! Do you believe God would act in such a manner? God would not! You must understand that regardless of how inept a group leader or a pastor may be, God has done His part. And once God has acted, He will see the matter through, continually creating opportunities and providing assistance.

At times, our group leaders, whom we affectionately refer to as obscure shepherds, we have first-line leaders, second-line leaders. These obscure group leaders, their prayers and ministrations are effective. If someone among us is deemed unqualified to be a leader, what happens? I have heard that they pray for others outside the church and achieve remarkable results, becoming quite renowned in the local community. Is this not astonishing? I am slightly embarrassed to admit it. I suggested: Could we create opportunities for such individuals to serve? Brothers and sisters, if you have a Mingding Destiny, if you have a heart to serve God, if you are willing to be chosen by God, I assure you that as you engage in service, you will discover something remarkable: God is with you, God is helping you!

Therefore, I believe that God is surely a God who brings salvation, a God who is faithful. Even if people are deceitful, God remains faithful. This is the spiritual truth that the Apostle Paul conveyed to us in the New Testament scriptures. Even in the New Covenant, God remains the faithful God. Does God know what kind of person Saul is? God knows precisely what Saul will become. Yet, God persists! Regardless of human fallibility, God remains faithful, ensuring that no one can offer any excuse.

The Israelites requested a king, and God chose Saul. On what basis was Saul chosen? Saul was taller than everyone else, a handsome man. Although Saul was somewhat weak in spirit, it did not matter; God still chose him. Seeing this handsome man, the people were reasonably content. However, some scoundrels questioned his authority. If Saul had returned home and declared himself king, there would always be an opposition party, which exists everywhere. The most prevalent element in the church is the opposition party. God silenced the opposition party. I have witnessed many similar situations. Once a person leads the church, they will invariably experience God's assistance.

Do not be surprised. Everyone experiences God's assistance, but it is crucial to choose what kind of person you will be during the process of experiencing God's help. Do not regard God's assistance merely as a testimony to recount. You may share it, but it is better to relate how you triumphed through the Spirit of God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. God does not assist you because of your great faith, nor did God assist Saul because of his great faith. Saul's faith was not substantial, but God continued to aid him in the matter of kingship, creating opportunities for him to become king.

Observe carefully, Saul continues his life as a cattle herder. He used to eat three meals a day, and he continues to do so. He used to tend to his cattle, and he continues to do so. He used to search for lost donkeys, and he continues to do so. Is the matter concluded simply because the lot was cast? No! Saul appears to be uncertain about how to rule as king. What happens? God continues to move forward. This is also the case in our efforts to build the church. Even if I make mistakes once, twice, or three times, God remains faithful, continuing to guide the church into His purpose. Therefore, brothers and sisters, be strong. You must understand that God ardently desires you to obtain your Mingding Destiny, to become a leader, to shepherd people. And God will continually assist you. You must possess that desire. Even if you do not, God will still act.

Suddenly, Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, advanced. Why did he suddenly appear? The Ammonites encamped against Jabesh Gilead.

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Covenant with us, and we will serve thee. (1 Samuel 11:1)

Do not be confused by these names. As for whether he is an Ammonite or anything else, we simply recognize that a king has come with troops to attack Israel. Jabesh Gilead is a region of Israel, possibly a small town or village. The people of Jabesh Gilead said to Nahash, Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you. When someone comes to attack you, and you cannot defeat them, you simply serve them. If the Ammonites say, Very well, come and serve me. I will make a treaty with you. I will not attack you; I will protect you. Would that not be the end of the matter? But what happens instead?

And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.(1 Samuel 11:2)

What do you think about this? Should you allow him to gouge out your right eye? Do you think that gouging out your right eye will resolve the matter? No, it will not. Is this not simply creating trouble? This is deliberate obstruction, yet it happens! Is this a coincidence? It is precisely that! In truth, you must understand that God reigns in the kingdoms of men. You may be weak, but you must not disobey God. If you are weak, but you are still walking in God's will, others may attack you, but God will surely protect you.

If you are powerful but you disobey God, particularly the people of God, then God can raise up the king of Babylon or the king of Assyria, both of whom are ruthless nations, and they will attack you. It is not someone else who brings them, but God. This time, Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, was also brought by God. Do you know who the Ammonites are? The Ammonites and Moabites are descendants of Lot, who was Abraham's nephew. That is how they are related.

Recently, we read the Book of Esther. The Agagites and the Amalekites are of the same tribe. The Amalekites and the Agagites are descendants of Esau. Esau was Jacob's twin brother, truly brothers from the same womb! Therefore, brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening? As a result, Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, acts in this manner, actually creating an opportunity for Saul. Therefore, brothers and sisters, when something happens, it is an opportunity.

I tell you, every time our church is to revive and move forward, it is a fierce spiritual battle. Each time we triumph in spiritual warfare, the church takes another step forward. It is quite interesting. Therefore, the church eventually develops into a place that particularly enjoys expelling demons. We do not particularly enjoy fighting people, nor do we enjoy fighting heaven or earth; we prefer to fight demons. Once the demons are defeated, they become very obedient. Once the demons are subdued, they become obedient.

This arrival of Nahash creates an opportunity for Saul. What kind of opportunity does it create? Suddenly, the people of Jabesh remember that Jabesh Gilead is a tribe of Israel, and we recently established a king. Where is our king? They inquire and discover that the king is in Gibeah. No one expected King Saul to be tending cattle. It may not be appropriate for the king to tend cattle, but that is the kind of king he is. Although he appears to be robust, he is rather weak in spirit. Then, they send men to Gibeah to find their King Saul. Do you not find our God quite interesting? People still think Saul is quite good, without airs. Actually, I am even less formal than Saul. Upon arriving in Gibeah, the people there hear the elders of Jabesh say to them:

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Covenant with us, and we will serve thee. And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.(1 Samuel 11:1-2)

They are to have their eyes gouged out—is this not bullying? Everyone weeps, crying as if their father has died, wailing in sorrow. Then Saul returns driving his oxen and inquired what happened. At this point, you will discover that God is directing the entire narrative. As a result, events continue to unfold according to God's plan. As soon as Saul sees the people, he asks them why they are crying. They tell him that Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, has arrayed against them to make war and tell Saul all this. As soon as Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God came upon him mightily. See for yourself how good our God is.

God Will Raise Up His Leaders

God creates opportunities. How miraculous is it? It may not seem like a good thing. At this moment, the Spirit of God greatly moves Saul. After Saul is moved, do you imagine him to be like Santa Claus, or like a mighty warrior, or still soft? People from Northeast are extremely fierce when enraged. When they get to Zhejiang, the anger is a little smaller. Saul does not know whether they belong to the northeast model, or the Zhejiang model, or the Guangdong model. You know some words are powerful. What words are powerful? Cursing words are powerful, I am not encouraging you to scold people. Saul was furious, but you say Saul is better or not? Good! That is to be wrath for the kingdom of God.

Never say that man's anger cannot accomplish the righteousness of God, and the Spirit of God descended on Saul and was very angry. I would ask you, when the Spirit of God is upon you, and see things that do not meet God’s will, see God’s people being bullied, see the church of God desolate, see people are busy for their own family, will you be angry? If you are angry, someone said: Your anger will not accomplish the righteousness of God. Can it accomplish the righteousness of God? God will do it like that.

So brothers and sisters, you know what? The Apostle Paul is often angry! Some people preached that you guys should keep circumcision. Keeping circumcision is to cut off the foreskin on the male genitals and make a small surgery on the male genitals. As a result, once Paul was angry, he said: Do n’t do circumcision; it would be great if you cut off the whole genitals! As a result, this matter was also been criticized. People came with a sentence, man’s anger cannot accomplish the righteousness of God. Do you know where this came from? When Jesus came to the temple and saw them in the temple to do business and trade, was the Lord Jesus angry? Angry! Can it accomplish the righteousness of God?

Of course, you quarrel with your wife, because her one sentence made you upset, and you discern good and evil for her. That is to discern good and evil. So, brothers and sisters, being the people of God is bound by demons, being bullied by demons, seeing the desolation of the church, seeing how rampant the demons of this generation are, deceiving the people of God, and letting the people of God believe in other gospels, what do you think? Can’t you get angry? Speaking of this matter, some people do not agree. Anyway, I am thick-skinned and resistant to being said something. I have really experienced such things, and I am upset when watching it!

Once, I served a child who had sequelae of meningitis. Because he was not in our church, I served him to another city. There were several other pastors who went with me, one of whom took me to that place. I was whole till ten thirty in the evening. I drove back so far away, and I was still thinking about not disturbing people. I called him, but I could not get through. Later, I continue to serve till twelve o'clock. The door was closed in the middle of the night. I took my coworkers, ate a bag of instant noodles, and found a place to sleep for a while.

The next morning, I woke up and returned to the gathering place. I said: Pastor XX, I called you yesterday, why didn't you answer it? He said: I turn off the power at ten o'clock every night. I said in my heart, if you are like this, you, your mom could not find you even if she died. Do you know? Demons often do bad things in the second half of the night. I have developed the habit of not sleeping too much in the second half of the night. Do you get angry? There is no way to get angry. I suppressed the anger.

Many times, I like to say: love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. When you see the desolation of this generation, and wrong gospels are preached, let the people of God be bound by demons. People loving the Lord and loving God, can they do things like that? Seeing these, it's really hard not to get angry! I often offend people when I say: love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Later, people came to me with a sentence: you are good. I said: I am not good, but God is good. So people must be moved by the Spirit of God. Seeing those who are bound by demons, do you have the feeling of Santa Claus, or the feeling of a smiling tiger; or the gentleness, consideration, numbness state? Or is it full of anger?

Brothers and sisters should know that God is really full of anger when He sees His people bound. But in this generation, God will raise up a group of people who are walking in God's will. They are moved by the Spirit of God. Seeing the people who are bound by demons, so that all their anger has to be poured on the body of the enemy demon. Today brothers and sisters, you are dazed, I do n’t blame you. You are very discerning of good and evil, and I don’t blame you. Because people are ignorant, they often do things that corrupt themselves. Following the lies of the demons, inviting the demons in, and being bound by the demons. It is easy to invite the ghost, but it is difficult to send away the ghost! So brothers and sisters must know that this is the generation when God is raising up leaders; this is the generation when God is creating opportunities for Saul to establish the king.

Brothers and sisters, do you feel the stirring to serve in this way today? I tell you, pour out your anger on the devil, our enemy. But some people vent their anger on the pastor. Useless at casting out demons, inept at tasks, but quick to take down the pastor. Incapable of directing anger at the devil, but adept at complaining to God, and if that is the case, trouble lies ahead. We, brothers and sisters, must understand that human anger is futile. Saul, in his anger, found two oxen, butchered them, and sent the parts throughout Israel. If you refuse to follow Saul and Samuel, refusing to emerge for battle, acting like a shrinking turtle. At the sight of war, you run away. At the sight of money, you rush to the front. If your church has such members, I tell you, your ox will be cut into such pieces. You will surely suffer financial loss.

Brothers and sisters, know that when God acts, He instills fear in the people, and as a result, they all come, thirty thousand strong. When the Israelites left Egypt, six hundred thousand were capable of wielding a sword in battle. Now, thirty thousand come, about half that number, which is still impressive. Thirty thousand Jews came; who orchestrated this? God did. In their minds: to go or not to go. At home, they discuss with their wives, crying in each other’s arms, wondering if they will return. “Oh, husband, please don’t go!” You know, it’s conscription! Not just any conscription, but conscription during wartime.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, when casting out demons, should you rush to the front? Those who rush to the front will not die, for God is with you. The Lord God instilled fear in the people, and they came out as one. If you don’t want to go, there’s turmoil within; once you decide to go, there’s peace. What is this all about? There’s no reasoning with it. I tell you, the Spirit of God can still do many things today. Know that when Esau wanted to kill Jacob, God changed his mind, and he forgot his desire to kill Jacob. How wonderful it is to trust in God!

You’ll find that if you are moved by the Spirit of God, and you don't go out to subdue some demons, you feel like you’re at odds with yourself. If the thought of casting out demons frightens you, that’s another matter. But now, the thought of going to the battlefield doesn’t scare you; not wanting to go to the battlefield is what scares you. What is this all about? The Spirit of God is at work, and you must obey the Spirit of God. Does Saul have the ability to mobilize three hundred thousand people? He has no such ability! Neither do I, to mobilize three hundred thousand people for battle. That’s no small feat! God created an opportunity for Saul to be king, and he seized it.

Do you know how many three hundred thousand is? Beijing’s Chang’an Avenue, from east to west, plus Tiananmen Square, filled with people, would only amount to a million or so. Three hundred thousand appears as a dark mass of heads. After everyone arrives, do you think Saul will pay you? Saul won’t pay you. Everyone is a volunteer, with nothing to gain. What is it all for? For the eyes of the people of Jabesh, whose eyes are to be gouged out. Without the gouging of eyes, without Saul’s anger, without the Lord instilling fear in the people, nothing can be accomplished. Without the first link, there is no second. If there is a first link but no second, what will Saul do when he’s in a basket? The Ammonites are coming, and I don’t want to be king! I don’t want to go to war! That would be terrible!

God Also Uses Resources

That is the resource that God uses. What happened then? This fellow brought thirty thousand people and wiped out the Ammonites, utterly defeating them. Brothers and sisters, you must know that when the Spirit of God moves you, and you act accordingly, there is no defeat. Killing the Ammonites until your hands are sore. Is there money in it? Yes. When an army defeats another, the spoils of war are abundant. Know that victory itself is a reward, and the rewards of victory are extremely generous.

I often encourage everyone to have this victorious mindset. Every time you triumph in a battle against demons, after the victory, real money pours in. It's no joke; God is truly amazing. Once, I beat Old Ma until he begged for mercy. I fought this demon with great effort, truly relying on the Spirit of God. As a result, Old Ma said he would load an ox cart with gold and silver to repay me. I realized it was true. Which of us, brothers and sisters, is blessed without winning battles? Think about it. When you win a battle, you will receive rewards. That's why I am addicted to casting out demons.

You must know that casting out demons is wonderful; if you don’t, you lose out. There was a sister who felt unwell every time I asked her to cast out demons. Feeling unwell frightened her, so she was reluctant and unwilling to follow me in casting out demons. What happened? The cancer recurred. You see, she suffered a great loss! It's no joke. The Eight-Nation Alliance entered Beijing and defeated the Qing government, demanding one hundred thousand taels of silver. The Qing government sent a capable negotiator who managed to compromise. You don’t have one hundred thousand taels! Losing a battle means paying reparations; the burning of the Summer Palace. It’s no joke.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, our church is an elite army that prevails in battle. What does this mean? Really arise! Is it difficult for me to benefit you? I’m not harming you. I am talking about worthwhile and beneficial things, so why is it so difficult that I have to persuade you? I shouldn’t have to persuade you; you should clearly know that you want to be a victorious elite soldier. If you don’t want to be a victorious elite soldier, do you want to be a defeated soldier? Even if you are a great general in a defeated army, it’s useless.

So, brothers and sisters, you must know, how were the Ammonites defeated? Was it because the Israelite army was strong? No! It was the farmers who had just put down their hoes who came to fight. They weren't skilled in martial arts, hadn't trained much; cutting beef was their forte, but going to war was quite rustic. Some had no knives or guns, just hoes. Others grabbed the rake, fresh from the field. With sharp points and barbs, they fought. Hoes can win battles—how wonderful! If nothing else, grab a wooden stick, paint it with lacquer, and it becomes a golden cudgel—just a wooden stick.

The victory of God's people is certainly not based on our superior martial skills, but on our faith in God. How wonderful! Finally, I tell you, God wants to enable you to win. As long as you charge forward and make a show of strength. Don’t be afraid; charge forward, no matter if you are holding a sickle or a hoe. The mouth of the sickle is curved inward, so it's easy to cut your hand, but it’s not by sword, nor by gun; not by chariot, nor by horse, but by God. I tell you that God fights for our victory, and that is Mingding Destiny for us to win. Later, I grasped this principle: when the Spirit of God stirs me, I become greatly angered, shout loudly and a group of brothers and sisters charged forth, greatly angered and filled with passion, defeating the devil.

In the coming period, we must promote healing and deliverance conferences. Just start doing it! And God will grant us victory. Later, mastering this principle, the battles of God’s people are based on trusting God. God went before us to defeat the Ammonites. So when you go, they are already defeated. It is not you who defeated them, but God sent angels and heavenly hosts to fight for us. Before you go, do you know what will happen? The Ammonites will see thousands of well-equipped soldiers, so mighty! They will be scared witless. Actually, they were just seeing things, seeing a vision, and that's really how it is. Sometimes when I cast out demons, it's really angels and heavenly hosts fighting! It’s not us fighting. At that time, we prayed, attacking the enemies, and God fought for us ahead of us.

God Makes Us Victorious

Once, I fell ill and couldn't breathe. I had difficulty breathing, only able to exhale, not inhale. With each breath, it would get stuck just below my throat. Very strange indeed. Was I going to die? It was extremely uncomfortable. So I lay in bed, desperately praying alone. As I prayed, I saw in a vision thousands upon thousands of demons covering the mountains and fields, shooting arrows at my chest. And all the arrows hit my chest. It became a target. The banners waving, it was a very powerful scene! Really very powerful. I thought, am I going to die? So I started to pray. After praying for a while, I saw thousands upon thousands of angels coming up from behind me, all well-equipped. It was incredible! Don’t think I’m making up a story. If you think I’m making up a story, that’s fine too. Making up stories that edify people is okay. But it was really like that.

Then I saw the devil being chased by God's army. They were all running for their lives, the banners had fallen, and the devils were fleeing. Corpses littered the field. The angels and heavenly hosts looked so good, just watching them gave me strength! After that, my breathing returned to normal, and I woke up. So that's how it was. In the face of a great battle, I almost lost my life! Fortunately, I'm not afraid of death. As a result of this victory, the church prospered day by day. At this time, what did the people of Israel say? The ruffians, hoodlums, and hooligans said, How can Saul govern us? Can this little Saul govern us? Then the Israelites said, Where are those who said this? Kill them! Did you see the Israelites? They were united.

Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there reaffirm the kingship.” (1 Samuel 11:14)

Finally, they had a king, and they reaffirmed the kingship there. Although God didn't like this, He still did everything He could to create opportunities for His people to honor the king He had appointed. Although establishing a king was not pleasing to God, since God had promised, He gave them a king, and He made sure that the establishment of the kingship was implemented. God is truly a faithful God! So no matter how the church is, you will find all sorts of testimonies. Our God is truly the God who gives us victory in battle. Every time we win a battle, the leader appointed by God, the king appointed by God, the priest appointed by God, will be raised up by God again. Our internal logical system must be completely changed.

Do we have a human logical system inside us, or a divine logical system? If you rely solely on your own limited abilities to fight, you will definitely not be able to win. Because you cannot win against demons. I say this meaning if you rely on your flesh. If you rely on God’s power, there is no battle you cannot win. Just tidy yourself up. If you are afraid, fear God alone. Don't be afraid of anything else. It is just that simple, very simple. In the future, God will create many opportunities for you.

Have you ever noticed that when you first become a group leader, it's amazing! When you pray for the people below you, whether they discern good and evil or not, whether they are mindful of the flesh or not, it works very well. Have you had this experience? Praying for yourself is ineffective, but your leader praying for you is definitely effective. Why? Because it is God at work! That's how God does it! There is a Destiny, to live for God, which is incomparably good. The armies of the Ammonites were defeated, and their grain, gold, and silver treasures had to be transported in trucks! But this is not recorded in the Bible. Know that once you have won a battle, the spoils of war are very abundant.

Let me recap. The title of this chapter is: God Creates Opportunities for Saul to Be King. First, God created an enemy. Second, the Spirit of God greatly moved Saul. Third, God instilled fear in the people. Fourth, God caused the people to triumph. What do you think of this? Maybe you have your own opinion. If God does not instill fear in the people but instills joy, then no one will come. Fear is a motivational measure. Therefore, in business management, fear plays a very important role.

When you join an army as a soldier, you must have fear; otherwise, they will discipline you. So in a company, fearing the boss, fearing certain things, is good. If you are not afraid, then aren't you rebelling? Therefore, fear is a crucial measure in all kinds of management. Sometimes, I also use a little fear to liberate people who are possessed by demons. This is just a small supplement.

May all brothers and sisters arise and become a mighty people, a mighty elite army!