We are studying the book of 1 Samuel at church and I love the drama! Who needs netflix when you can actually read God's word and get murder, deception, lies all in ONE chapter!
Israel was not content (as usual) and asked God for a king. "We want to be like the other kingdoms, waaa waaa, everybody else has a king but us! Waa Waa We want a king." So what does a loving Father do? He brings them a king!
In Chapter 10 we get to meet new king of Israel. Super smart Samuel gets to anoint this guy--Saul. (Side note, the texts depicts Saul as a big tall, handsome goof who loses his donkeys- probably not my first choice of king) Nonetheless, Saul is anointed king. After Samuel anoints him, Saul receives complete step by step instructions on what to do!
V. 2- you'll find two men, v. 3 go to the oak of Tabor and meet three men one carrying goats, one with bread one with wine; v.4 they'll greet you and give you two loaves, and you'll take them.....and so on. For several chapters Samuel tells Saul EXACTLY what to expect and what to do.
Dear Samuel, can I please get a word from you?
OMY word, wouldn't it be amazing if we could get step by step instructions in serving God!? NOT FAIR! AND then it says "the Spirit of God falls mightily on him."
So not only does he get step by step instructions, he gets a full-on-fall-on-your-knees hit by the Spirit of God. In verse 11, "others were wondering what had happen to him!" So this was a serious change in Saul. (Oh Lord change my heart so others can see!)
But here's the kicker. After all the instructions Samuel gave him (that panned out exactly how he said)...then the Spirit coming on him and changing his heart; Saul still acts like nothing's new! His uncle asks him in verse 14-16 "Hey Saul, what's up? Where have you been?" Saul tells him he went to find the donkey and couldn't find them, so they ask Samuel. Samuel told him the donkeys where fine! HE NEVER TELLS HIS UNCLE THE COOL STUFF THAT HAPPEN!
"But he did not tell him about the matter of the kingdom which Samuel had mentioned." 1 Sam. 10: 16b
Dear Saul, get a clue! You are anointed by GOD ALMIGHTY, own it dude!
Yet he doesn't. Finally he gets to be presented as KING of ISRAEL, and he is hiding in the luggage! (verse 22)
Sad but true- I totally identify with Saul, yet want to criticize him all the same. Look at the opportunity you have! Look what God is doing for you, AND with a very wise mentor to help you. Saul- you have Samuel as a mentor, you have God falling mightily on you, you have a kingdom that is pretty new to this king stuff, so why are you scared? What an honor!
God has given me instructions before; I have felt the Spirit nudge me-- yet I hide behind my baggage all the time. Although I may not have a step by step instructions, I have loving friends, mentors, family members that speak truth into me on a daily basis. I have the Holy Spirit guiding my steps! And though I'm not 'leading a kingdom'- I have serving a Kingdom! Help me get out from behind the baggage and STAND Tall!!!!
