April 10: 1 Samuel 9-12

April 10, 1 Samuel 9-12

1 Samuel 9 If you believe in coincidence or chance, hopefully this chapter will be a stark reminder that there is no such thing. There is God - Supernatural and Sovereign - God. We learn for the first time about a man named Saul, a handsome and tall man, from the tribe of Benjamin. He was looking for his dad’s donkeys that were lost, and it ‘just so happens’ that where they were looking was also the same city that Samuel was in. Saul’s companion advised that they go and ask Samuel, as he was a prophet (or seer as they were called back in the day) that could maybe help them. They get directions to find Samuel and before they got to him, God had already told Samuel the day before that Saul was the chosen King and that he would be coming to him. Sure enough, it all unfolds just as God said it would. God was the one that hid the donkeys, to get Saul where He wanted him to go. When Samuel talks to Saul, he explains that God has set it up that Saul would receive the desirable gift of kingship in Israel. Saul was surprised, as he was from the smallest and insignificant tribe of the tribe of Benjamin. That didn't matter to God or Samuel. In the morning as Saul was leaving, Samuel took him aside to talk straight with him…

1 Samuel 10 Samuel anointed Saul that day, pouring oil over his head, he kissed his head and said that the Lord had made him King/Prince over Israel. Then Samuel goes on to explain to him 3 very distinct things that will happen that day to prove to Saul that God was the one doing this. Sure enough, all of them happened - including Saul prophesying when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Saul had been given a new heart… God is making things happen! When they returned home, Saul’s uncle asked Saul’s companion what Samuel had said, and it was kept secret about the anointing of kingship for now - this was not Saul's choice, but God’s. 

Then Samuel brought the tribes together and they cast lots for their next King, and big surprise, they lots literally fell onto Saul. God can even control the roll of a dice. When Samuel went to make Saul King, they couldn't find him - this tall guy was hiding behind some luggage! They brought him out and he was anointed publicly and the Israelites finally had a King and they were thrilled. There was a small group that didn't like it which divided Israel about having Saul as king, but Saul didn't do anything about it.

1 Samuel 11 Nahash, a leader of a neighboring nation who was an Ammonite went and battled their way into a Israelite town. The the elders of Jabesh (an Israelite town) came out and begged them for a treaty, if only they would stop attacking them, they would become their slaves, if they stopped. Nahash said he would only make a treaty with them if he could gouge out all their right eyes, disgracing Israel and permanently dismembering all the men of the city. Seriously! The elders of the city asked for 7 days to figure out if they would accept the terms of the treaty and all the while sent messages to the other Israelites that lived in the Promise Land. The Israelites were upset when they heard what was going on, as well as reported to Saul and he learned what was going on, and the Spirit of God came over him and he took and cut up some oxen and sent it throughout Israel and said this would happen to their oxen if they didn't come out and help their brothers of Israel (strange leadership tactic). 330,000 Israelites came together to protect their brothers. But even though the army was raised, they didn't want to let the Ammonites know that they had gathered an army against the Ammonites. And told the besieged city, to report that they would surrender to the terms the following day. But before the Ammonites had time to gouge out the eyes of the poor Israelite people, the Israelites divided into 3 groups and came upon the Ammonite camp and slaughtered them all. Saul was victorious and those that doubted Saul should be king, changed their minds and they all agreed that Israel should have a king and that king should be Saul. So the people all got together and they sacrificed to the Lord, as well as made Saul king in the presence of everyone. 

1 Samuel 12 Samuel announces that he is no longer the Judge of Israel, because they have a king now. Samuel was blameless to them for his efforts and obedience. God sent thunder and rain and caused all the people to fear Him as well as listen to all of Samuel's warnings to follow only the Lord God. Saul is now their King and he warned them not to forget God or God will be against them (similar to Joshua’s pleading). Only fear the Lord and serve Him only…

To sum it all up:

• God has it all planned out. If you have lost a donkey and go looking for it, instead of getting mad or upset, consider that God may be trying to get your attention to do what it is that He wants you to do.
• Remember - God doesn't always do the conventional route. Sometimes he picks the weakest to reveal His strength. So if you are not a ‘big-wig’ - fear not. God can use a stray donkey and an unimportant man to accomplish His will. 
• God was lining up everything behind the scenes before they even happened and He is doing that for your life too.