I've started a new Bible study course at a local church and we're studying 1 Samuel and Saul's journey... we're not very far into it yet, so I am no expert by any means. Hannah was unable to have children and she pleaded to God for a son and told Him that she'd turn her son over to God if He'd grant her this. Hannah became pregnant and did as she promised. She gave him to Eli, the chief priest of Israel so he could be raised as a nazirite. With the priesthood in decline, God declares Samuel a prophet and he then begins his work with Israel. During battle, the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and Eli fell over dead upon hearing the news. It is later returned after it causes Philistine armies to become diseased. Samuel convinces them to stop worshipping false idols and turn to God. God continued to take care of them for many years. Then, for what ever reason, the Israelites demand a king.. apparently God wasn't good enough. Samuel is broken and feels rejected but God grants them a king. God tells Samuel that they haven't rejected him by asking for a king, but that they've actually rejected God. Samuel warns the people about the tyranny that is associated with a king, but no, the Israelites don't care... they want their king. So Samuel listens to God and sends up a broken hallelujah. God then tells Samuel who should be king and the next day, Saul appears. Saul was out looking for donkeys that had been lost... and he was ready to give up, when they spotted a seer. Still ready to give up, Saul consults his servant who convinces him to go inquire about the donkeys. Saul is reassured that the donkeys have been found... and then something very strange happens, he is escorted to talk with Samuel and then is anointed, and is put at the head of the table, and is given the prime cut of meat--the thigh.
BREAK: Okay, so Saul was looking for donkeys and all of a sudden he's becoming king? Uhm, do you see anything wrong there? Yes? There is no fault with God.
I have to say that if that were me in Saul's place, I'd be a little disturbed and interested to know what's going on. Think that'll ever happen to you? No... of course not... what if I'd told you that it already has?
So often we're on our own journeys in life and we see only the goals that we've set for ourselves that we leave God's goals for us behind, or we fail to see them. Have you ever been traveling through life and all of a sudden God hits you in the face with what you SHOULD be doing? Interesting how that works, isn't it? I know I have, I've been too busy caught up in other people or situations that I left my Creator behind. My very existence is in Him, but I left him for the things the world had to offer. Where'd that get me? Sending up broken hallelujahs and a bed full of tears.
I now know to open my eyes and heart and pray for guidance in all that I do.
I know that no one is perfect except Jesus Christ, but I do know that it's not too late. If you've strayed from God, get your life back on track and keep Him in everything that you do. Send up a broken hallelujah and get on your knees and pray. He is waiting to welcome His back home. Stop looking for those donkeys.
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