When I was a young minister, I blushed so badly to say three particular words that I would do almost anything not to have to say them.  Now, at sixty-six, I can say them readily without so much as a hint of a blush.
I thought of those words today as I prepared my lesson for the retirees at Meadowlakes tonight.  We're studying the story where Samuel does exactly what Saul will do several chapters later- offer a sacrifice to God that only the priests of Levi were supposed to offer.  Saul ultimately lost his kingdom over that one.  Samuel does not receive so much as a reprimand- in fact, he receives a resounding victory in battle against the Philistines.  Immediately, the three words rushed to mind.  And this time, I didn't blush.  The three words: I DON'T KNOW!  No, I really do know what the three words are- you just heard them- "I don't know".  As a young minister, I thought to not know was a sin. After all, doesn't Peter encourage us to always have the answer to anyone who might ask us a question?  No, he actually doesn't say that.  Read the remainder of the sentence: "to anyone who asks you concerning the hope that lies within you".  Now, I can do that.  It's the having an answer for everyone's every question that I haven't mastered yet.  But, praise God, that's part of my answer for the hope that lies within me- I am not God and I no longer have to pretend that I am.  He has all the answers.  I don't.  That's ok.  It's better than ok- it's amazing!
I don't know why Samuel got the victory and Saul got the boot.  If I were pressed to guess, I would think that it might have had something to do with the heart of each man. Maybe Samuel really did have God and God's people as his primary focus.  Maybe Saul was thinking about Saul- his reputation, his victory.  But the bottom line is: I don't know (I'm not blushing!)  I can't read hearts.  I can't assume motivations.  That's why I'm not judge.  That's why He is.  I'm glad.  It's such a relief to be able to say those three words without a blush.  Thank you, Jesus!  YOU are THE reason for the hope that lies within me.  All I need to know is YOU!!