1 Samuel

1 Samuel 10:1-8

Samuel poured a flask of oil on Saul's head and anointed him as king.  What a shock this must have been to Saul.  It is revealed to him that he has been anointed by the Lord to lead God's people.  This anointing is symbolic of God's spirit poured out on Him.  This anointing was private, the servants had been sent away.  It wasn't the time and the place for the public pronouncement.  Samuel had to become king before he could be presented as king.  God was called him a king and then made him a king, qualifying him and preparing him. 

Someone once said, God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.  Many people fail to step into their calling, receive it and walk in it.  They are waiting for God to qualify them in some visible and tangible way.  God anointed Saul and then began the change

Samuel prophesies of these circumstances that will serve to authenticate the word he had been given.  Every step of the way, the prophecies will be fulfilled and it will be evident that God is doing this work.  Then, when these prophesies come about, the Spirit of God would come on him, he would prophesy with the prophets and be turned into another man.  This is the testimony of anyone who's been filled by the Spirit of the Lord; it changes us profoundly.  It's not the same for everyone.  Sometimes, it is very noticeable and significant from the beginning.  For others it is more of a slow and subtle change.  Either way, we are changed!!

1 Samuel 10:9-16

God gave Saul a new heart.  The change in Saul was visible and it drew the attention of those who knew him.  Those who noticed wondered if he was like the prophets.  They were seeing the movement of the spirit. 

This entire series of events must have made Saul's head spin.  Saul came to this seven day period of waiting on Samuel; which was in essence waiting on the Lord.  This was good exercise for the new king; learn patience and waiting on the Lord. 

1 Samuel 10:17-28

Samuel called the people to Mizpah for the presentation of the king.  He makes it clear that this day was brought about by their rejection of God.  So, they wanted a king, God set a king over them.  By lot, God confirmed what had already been revealed; that His choice was Saul.  But where was he?   They found Saul hidden among the equipment.  Saul is embarrassed and unused to any such situation.  The people brought Saul forward and saw how tall he was and were pleased - he was just what they wanted.

Saul was anointed by God.  He was filled with the Spirit.  He was change; a new man.  He was confirmed as king before the people by God.  And God surrounded Saul with valiant men whose hearts God had touched.  This is a good start. 

©2015 Doug Ford