Letting Opportunities Slip Through Our Fingers

[More thoughts about 1 Samuel 9]

There are tall and short fools.  It so happened that Saul was a tall one. Outward profile counts for little.  Israel would have to learn that when they rejected spiritual leadership and God as their king and chose instead an empty-headed man, they were guaranteeing trouble for themselves.  It took years to rebuild and reorganise Israel after Saul had ruined it.

When God sent Jesus he had no public status (his father was a carpenter and he came from a down and out town called Nazareth). People weren’t attracted to him by his handsome appearance (Isaiah 53.2 he had not form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty the we should desire him.) But Jesus had the beauty and glory of God’s love and grace and he possessed power to actually accomplish the will of God—not just LOOK regal.   Compare the British royal family—they symbolise stability and power by their big palaces and rich paraphernalia—but they don’t actually have power to do anything.

God gave Saul every opportunity to become a spiritual man and receive the grace of God being extended to him—even though he had nothing better to do than search for lost donkeys.   He gave him Samuel as a mentor. God also gave him a taste of the Holy Spirit when he allowed him to join with the prophets as they praised God and spoke his words.   God gave him signs to confirm that he was calling Saul. Saul needed to respond to these with faith.

But Saul didn’t actively receive the grace of God held out to him.  He was passive and quite unresponsive.  He let God’s blessings fall on him like a warm shower or fragrant petals—but he did not respond strongly and decisively. He never prayed like Mary prayed: “Look, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me just has you have promised.” Luke 1.38. 

Saul was told that whatever his hand found to do—when the Spirit came on him—he should get stuck in and do it.  He hung back and took no initiative.

[There is a lot to think about here. How am I actively receiving the grace and the promises of God—like a warm shower or as motivation to ACT in faith?]

DONKEYS

1 Sam 9 gives us some background information about Saul who was the kind man Israel wanted as king. He ticked the boxes for those wanting someone who looked the part:

- young

- rich

- good-looking

- a head taller than everyone else.

But some glaring weaknesses show up:

- His search for the donkeys seems aimless and indecisive.
- He seems very dependent on his servant's advice (who seems to have more initiative).
- He has the chance to talk to a prophet and yet he only thinks to ask for information about donkeys. No big, deep questions from Saul!
- He is worryingly ignorant about Samuel, worship and other matters concerning seeking God's will.

Think: How will traits like this play out if Saul becomes king? What was Israel really doing when it marginalised Samuel in favour of a shiny new king?


How could you apply this? 

Personally: What donkeys are we chasing aimlessly when we should be seeking God?  What are we doing with the opportunities to pay attention to the Word of God? What godly helpers has God put near us? 

Understanding God's Kingdom: Compare Saul with Christ (the Leader God has chosen for us). How did Jesus go about finding his Father's path in the world?

Building the Church: What does godliness look like? Cf Samuel and Saul.  What traits and gifts should the church value?