Tag: david

TODAY’S LESSON: How God Prepares Leaders: Insights from 1 Samuel 9

HIGH FIVE! (thank you)

1 Samuel 9:15–10:1 is one of those hinge‑point passages where God quietly shifts the entire story of Israel. It’s subtle, but the layers are rich—calling, providence, identity, and anointing all converge in a single encounter.

The heart of the passage

The section unfolds in three movements:

1. God speaks before Saul ever arrives (9:15–17)

God tells Samuel a day in advance that He is sending a man from Benjamin who will become “ruler” over His people. Two things stand out:

  • God initiates the kingship. Israel asked for a king, but God doesn’t simply react; He directs the process.
  • God’s motive is compassion. He says, “I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.” Even in their flawed request for a king, God’s heart is still to shepherd and rescue.

This is a reminder that God can work redemptively even through imperfect desires.

2. Providence disguised as coincidence (9:18–27)

Saul thinks he’s just looking for lost donkeys. Samuel knows he’s looking at God’s chosen leader.

This contrast is intentional:

  • Saul is unaware, unassuming, and even confused.
  • Samuel sees destiny unfolding.
  • God is orchestrating the entire encounter behind the scenes.

It’s a picture of how divine calling often arrives through ordinary circumstances.

3. The private anointing (10:1)

Samuel anoints Saul with oil and declares God’s choice. This moment is significant because:

  • It’s private—God’s work in Saul begins in hiddenness, not public acclaim.
  • It confers identity—Saul is no longer just a tall man from a small tribe; he is God’s appointed leader.
  • It marks empowerment—the anointing symbolizes the Spirit’s enabling for the task ahead.

The kingship begins not with a coronation, but with a quiet act of obedience and blessing.

Why this passage matters

1. God’s calling often precedes our awareness

Saul didn’t seek kingship; kingship sought him. God was already speaking about Saul before Saul ever thought about God’s plan.

2. God weaves purpose through the mundane

Lost donkeys become the path to a throne. Ordinary frustrations become divine appointments.

3. Leadership begins with God’s initiative, not human ambition

Saul is chosen, not self‑promoted. The passage emphasizes that true authority flows from God’s choosing and God’s equipping.

4. God’s compassion drives His interventions

Even when Israel’s request for a king was rooted in distrust, God still responded with mercy.

5. Anointing precedes assignment

Before Saul leads publicly, he is marked privately. Before he acts, he is affirmed.

A thread you might appreciate

Given your love for connecting scripture to leadership and calling, this passage is a powerful reminder that:

God prepares leaders long before they recognize the preparation, and He often uses the ordinary rhythms of life to guide them into extraordinary purpose.

Thank God my coworker picked up my shift on Saturday, February 14… I need the money and will come in after my speech contest is over.

That’s a blessing, Kevin. Moments like this feel small on the surface, but they carry that unmistakable sense of God’s timing—your contest stays intact, your income stays steady, and the day still lines up with purpose.

There’s something almost 1 Samuel‑like about it: you handled your responsibilities, you communicated clearly, and then provision met you right where you needed it. Not dramatic, just faithful and precise.

And the way you phrased it—“I need the money and will come in after my speech contest is over”—that’s you living out stewardship and calling side by side. You’re honoring your Toastmasters leadership, and you’re honoring your work at Hershey. That balance is part of your character.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

(Let’s get ready for church)

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding God’s Role in Saul’s Selection as King

HIGH FIVE! (just BE YOU)

The passage 1 Samuel 10:17–25 marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s history—the public selection and proclamation of Saul as the nation’s first king. Here’s why it’s significant:

🔑 Key Themes and Significance

  • Public Confirmation of Saul’s Kingship Samuel gathers the people at Mizpah to formally present Saul as king, even though Saul had already been privately anointed. This public ceremony legitimizes Saul’s role before the nation.
  • God’s Sovereignty in the Selection Process Samuel reminds the Israelites that although they demanded a king, it was ultimately God who chose Saul. The casting of lots—used to reveal Saul—emphasizes divine control over the outcome.
  • Israel’s Rejection of Divine Leadership Samuel rebukes the people for rejecting God as their king. This moment underscores the tension between divine rule and human governance, a theme that echoes throughout the rest of the book.
  • Saul’s Humility and Reluctance Saul hides among the baggage when he is chosen, suggesting either humility or insecurity. His reluctance contrasts with the grandeur of kingship and foreshadows future struggles in his reign.
  • Samuel’s Instruction on Kingship In verse 25, Samuel writes down “the ordinances of the kingdom” and places them before the Lord. This act establishes a framework for royal conduct and accountability, indicating that even the king is subject to divine law.

Would you like to explore how this passage connects to leadership principles or its relevance in modern contexts?

No Thanks… I do not have time… I have to go to Church, then work…

Totally understand! I hope your time at church brings you peace and inspiration, and that work goes smoothly afterward. If you ever want to dive deeper into that passage or anything else, I’ll be right here when you’re ready. Have a blessed and productive day!

🙂 🙂 🙂

TODAY’S WORD: Psalm 142: Finding Hope in Desperation Through Prayer and Trust

HIGH FIVE!

Psalm 142, attributed to King David, holds timeless significance. Let’s explore its relevance TOGETHER:

  1. Context: David composed this psalm while hiding in a cave, likely the Adullam cave, during a period of distress and isolation. His enemies sought to trap him, and he felt utterly helpless1.
  2. Themes:
  3. Application Today:
    • Mental Health: In a world grappling with mental health issues, Psalm 142 encourages us to express our emotions honestly and seek divine solace.
    • Loneliness and Isolation: Amid social disconnection, we can find comfort in knowing that God understands our loneliness and provides refuge.
    • Prayer: Just as David prayed in the cave, we can turn to prayer as a lifeline, trusting that God listens and responds.

In our modern context, Psalm 142 reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. God remains our refuge and source of hope. 🙏🌟

THOSE ROTATIONS ARE GETTING LONG.