"And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food." I Samuel 14:24
Most of us know the story. Saul tried to take matters into his own hands, and instead of waiting for Samuel and trusting in God's timing, he offered a sacrifice and incurred God's anger. Instead of Saul winning a victory that day, God used Jonathan to put the Philistines to flight.
In selfish stupidity, Saul made all of his men swear that they wouldn't eat anything until the Philistines were beaten. I like what one commentator said about Saul, "He was a rebellious baby." That's probably not far from the reality. Saul was focused on what he thought was best for him and not on what was best for his people. His pride had robbed him of his good sense. Who fights well on an empty stomach? If you've ever had to exert extreme amounts of energy for a long time, you know how faint the body becomes without proper fuel.
Saul's men were completely drained that day, and they likely would have had a greater victory against the enemy had they been allowed to eat. Jonathan said it best, "My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?"
A good leader doesn't do what he believes is best for himself. A good leader does what he or she knows is best for others. Saul spent the rest of his life wasting away in narcissistic pride instead of humbling himself before God and doing what was best for others.
I want to be a leader who puts the needs of others first, even if my pride gets hurt. After all, my pride is a stench to God anyway.
Breakfast today was a power smoothie of ...
1 cup almond milk
1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chopped Kale
1 cup of frozen strawberries
1/2 frozen banana
1 peeled cutie
1 Medjool date
Any taste of the Kale is completely lost in the taste of the fruit. Give it a try! Kale is good for your heart because it has soluble fiber (lowers LDL) and calcium, among many other things. Strawberries and oranges provide an abundance of vitamin C, and the banana gives you more fiber and potassium.
After work today, I went for a 2.5 mile run. The weather was Beautiful!! It was 70F, so I couldn't pass up the chance to get a run in.
I'm grateful for a clean concrete driveway where I can enjoy a post-run stretch and cooldown session.
Tonight, Sandra made Chili Lime Maple Salmon Bowls with Forbidden Rice. The recipe can be found at ambitiouskitchen.com. They were fantastic!! The recipe includes mango. Normally, I'm not much of a mango fan, but it works with this recipe. One serving gets you 40 grams of protein! We aim for 25-30/meal, so this meal gets the job done. Nice find dear wife!!!
Top it off with some avocado and you have an extra dose of healthy fats.
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