God Speaks
Samuel Anoints Saul As the First King of Israel
Verse of the Day: [Samuel declared to the Israelites,] “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.” (I Samuel 12:23-25 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 1 Samuel 9-12
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
1 Samuel 9
1. It is God who ultimately determines who will lead His people.
2. Like Saul, people should consult a “seer” (a wise and godly person) when they have a problem and don’t know what to do.
1 Samuel 10
1. God will use godly counselors like Samuel to advise people in positions of authority, if they will listen.
2. Like Saul with his uncle, people do not always reveal the whole truth of what is happening in their lives.
1 Samuel 11
1. At times, the Spirit of God will come powerfully on people so that they can accomplish His will.
2. People who fear the LORD will come together and accomplish His will and rescue people in danger.
1 Samuel 12
1. God continues to act on behalf of His people in spite of their history of stubborness and rebellion.
2. People leaving office should be able to give a good account of their service to God (or righteousness) and to their constituents as Samuel did when he turned the leadership of the Israelites over to Saul.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 1 Samuel 9-12?
Thank You that it is You, LORD God, who ultimately determines who will lead people wherever they are. Like Saul, may people consult a “seer” (a wise and godly person) when they have a problem and don’t know what to do. God, please use godly counselors like Samuel to advise people in positions of authority and to help them listen and respond properly. Unfortunately, like Saul with his uncle, people do not always reveal the whole truth of what is happening in their lives. At this point in time, Spirit of God, please come powerfully on people so that they can accomplish God’s will. May the people who fear the LORD come together to accomplish His will and rescue those in danger of any kind. LORD God, we trust You to continue to act on behalf of Your people in spite of our history of stubborness and rebellion. May people leaving office be able to give a good account of their service to You and to their constituents as Samuel did when he turned the leadership of the Israelites over to Saul. May all of Your people bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 1 Samuel 9-12?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
I will search out the stances and qualifications of those running for public office, not just go on appearances.
I will work with others to hold public officials responsible to faithfully carry out the rights and duties of governmental leadership.
I will vote and ask the LORD to lead me to other ways to express my loyality to my community, state and nation.
I will pray for my family, community, state and nation as Samuel pledged to do.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.