I remember saying a quick prayer during a worship service when I was 18. I told God, Lord, you can have my life. At that moment, something happened. The Holy Spirit came into my life. I became a follower of Jesus. My life changed, not just for a moment, but forever.
Saul had a life-changing experience, similar to multitudes of people who follow the Lord. After he left Samuel, God’s Spirit changed his heart and opened the door for God’s purposes to be realized through him.
As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day (1 Samuel 10:9).
Saul left Samuel with a changed heart, but not everyone believed in what God was doing in his life.
When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
A man who lived there answered, “And who is their father?” So it became a saying: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:11-12).
The church I attend had a very violent man who had a dramatic experience with God. He became a Sunday school teacher, and friends from his past came to see if his conversion was real.
Like the doubters about Saul, some wondered if this man, once so violent, could truly become a lover of God.
Samuel’s Message to Israel
After Saul was newly anointed by Samuel, the prophet had an important message for the people. He reminded them of all that God had done for them and pointed out how they had turned away from the Lord who loved them.
Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah and said to them,
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’
But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your disasters and calamities. And you have said, ‘No, appoint a king over us.’ So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans” (1 Samuel 10:17-19).
Samuel presented to the people the king they desired. They responded with cheers and rejoicing.
Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” Then the people shouted, “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10:24).
However, not everyone accepted Saul’s leadership.
Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched.
But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent (1 Samuel 10:26-27).
We will meet these critics of Saul’s kingship later in the story. How he treats them will reveal a lot about his character.
Reflections
Saul was anointed and proclaimed king. As king, he was in control. Some people rejoiced over his kingship, while others were detractors. They didn’t believe Saul had the Spirit of God like the prophets or that he should rule over them.
When Jesus came to earth, he announced that the kingdom of God was here because His presence. His claim to be the King upset the authorities, who questioned His right to rule.
They often asked, “Who is in control here?” It was as if Jesus declared that the world was now under new management.
The question for us is whether we will accept his leadership in our lives or resist his authority like the religious officials did.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 