Samuel
– A Lifetime
Serving God
·
What
has happened so far? God clearly spelled out what would happen if a king
governed Israel, and Samuel "told the people" (8:10). Yet the people
still wanted a king to be "like all the other nations", and to have a
king go before them in battle (8:20). What had God been doing?
·
Notice
v. 21. Samuel repeated all this to the Lord. Surely God already knew Israel's
words. What does this say about the kind of relationship Samuel had with the
Lord?
·
Think
again of prayer. Why pray if God already knows our hearts? What does prayer do?
·
Even
though Israel had deliberately rejected God's divine protection, the Lord chose
a king.
·
God
chose an "impressive young man" (9:2) Do you think God was saying
"Fine, put your trust in a human."? The folly of this choice was
shown during the confrontation with Goliath…
·
God
often uses ordinary human experiences as part of His plan. Here, Saul is
looking for some lost donkeys (9:3-5). While out looking for the donkeys, Saul
"happens" to come across Samuel
·
It's
actually Saul's servant who knows Samuel is in the area (9:6). Saul apparently
didn't know. Combine that with 3:21. Is it an indication of Saul's spiritual
state?
·
Saul
and his servant hope Samuel can point them to the lost donkeys. But God knew
this meeting was coming (9:15,16), and had bigger things in mind. God had not
forsaken His people.
·
Upon
meeting Samuel (9:18,19), and apparently without being told about the missing
donkeys, Samuel tells Saul not to worry about the lost animals. (9:20). He is a
seer!
·
Samuel
makes a strange prophecy (9:20), and Saul responds with what I think is sincere
humility. It's one of the few times we see Saul like this. (9:20, see Judges
20:46-48)
·
Samuel
also invites both Saul to be the guest at dinner. Not only is Saul seated at
the place of honor, so is the servant! Most unusual. Saul is also served a
portion that had already been set aside for him! Who knew they were coming?
·
Think
of Samuel's first experience and conversation with the Lord. I think Samuel
always remembered that encounter. Do you think Saul always remembered this
unique day?
·
Later,
Samuel talks with Saul (9:25), and just before Saul leaves, Samuel has a
message for him (9:27). It's likely Samuel told him the truth about what was
happening. Saul was then anointed.
#1) No person, not matter how
qualified, should ever replace God in the hearts of God's people
#2) The only way to determine
God's perfect will is through the direct teachings of Scripture
#3) When we choose not to follow
God's will, the consequences can be serious
For
next week read I Samuel 9:25-10:24 (Outlines are available at
http://www.jeffkouba.com/SundaySchool/)
