Saturday 16 January 2010

Background

What an extraordinary - or maybe ordinary - story! If we havebeen reading the earlier chapters of 1 Samuel, we know that a kingis going to be found for God's people. But here is a description ofa handsome young man from the north. He is somewhat lacking inconfidence - it is a servant who is taking charge of the search forsome lost donkeys! On their trip they instead decide to seek out aman of God in a nearby town - with the help of some girls on theirway to collect water who point the young men in the rightdirection.

The search for those lost donkeys leads to an encounter withSamuel, an invitation to a banquet, and a night'saccommodation.

In the morning Samuel sends the servant boy on his way and then heanoints the young man - Saul - as ruler over God's people. Samuelcan't quite bring himself to use the word 'king', but neverthelesshe charges Saul with the task of reigning over the people, andsaving them from their enemies.

It is a long passage today, but worth re-reading. There is a kingat long last.

To Ponder

Can you think of ways in which God has used veryordinary situations to lead people to great things? How do you feelabout God leading you to new things?

Saul did not feel he was important enough for Godto have work for him to do. Are there times when you have felt likeSaul? How do you overcome those feelings - or do you try to avoidGod's call?