Read 1 Samuel 10
Hard Change
1 Then Samuel took a
flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the
Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance? … 9 As Saul turned to leave
Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day…15
Saul's uncle said, “Tell me what Samuel said to you.” 16 Saul replied, “He
assured us that the donkeys had been found.” But he did not tell his uncle what
Samuel had said about the kingship.
SAUL really, really mystifies me. In the matter of a few
hours, Samuel anoints him to be the king of Israel; “God changed Saul’s heart”;
Saul prophesies with other prophets; and Samuel gives him very specific
instructions to go to Gilgal and wait for him there.
Then Saul goes
home and his uncle asks, “What did Samuel tell you.” And Saul’s only response
was, “The donkeys had been found.” Saul spoke not a word about God’s transforming
work on him!
Perhaps Saul was
confused. Maybe he was overwhelmed. Possibly he was trying to escape the
enormous responsibility of his new transformed life. Later Saul hid from Samuel
when Samuel came to choose him in front of all the people. Saul seemed terribly
afraid and uncertain.
Sadly, fear and
uncertainty are common in the church. We hear the preaching of God’s
transforming power. Then we go home and someone asks, “What did the minister
say?” There is rarely any talk of, “Jesus saves!” “God makes new!” “I can call
on God for healing!”
Saul was a very
weak man, fearful with little desire to act into God’s power. His kingship
would fail because he didn’t trust God’s power to transform him. Hard to
imagine, isn’t it?
A Moment’s Thought: Change can be hard to take if you try to
take it on your own.
No comments:
Post a Comment