Day 2

GOD'S EYES ARE BETTER THAN OURS!

"And the spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man." 1 Sam. 10:6

Saul was the son of Kish, a well known and powerful man (1 Sam. 9:1). He was a tall, handsome and striking young man sensitive to others, 1 Sam. 9:6. His genuine humility (1 Sam. 9:21) and his obvious charisma (1 Sam. 10:1) drew people to him. These characteristics together with his open honesty were qualities which God could harness and use.

But Saul was a landowner's son, his life was tied up with the responsibilities of running his father's estates. He was apparently not a religious man - when he came near Ramah (Samuel's home town) searching for some straying donkeys he seemed not to know about Samuel at all (1 Sam. 9:5-10). Hardly the reaction of a dedicated worshipper of God. So 1 Sam. 10:6 seems to apply to both Saul's spiritual life and a change in his outlook and ambitions as the comments of others about his prophesying suggest 1 Sam. 10:5,6,9-12.

In spite of his amazement at God's will for him (1 Sam. 9:20) Saul accepted his call in secret joy (1 Sam. 10:1,15,16) and then waited for God to reveal his will to Israel. It was a time to reflect on past events. Why had he not found the donkeys (1 Sam. 9:2-5,20)? All that Samuel had predicted took place (1 Sam. 10:2-6). This was evidence of God's hand directing his life. Do you think this only happens for people who will play a prominent part in God's work, or can it happen to others as well?

What did God do for Saul to prepare him for kingship (1 Sam. 10:7)? Did he do enough?

Why did Saul eventually fail?

Thank you, God for gracious proofs of your presence. Help me to recognise them and so to be sure of your leading.