Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Year 4, Day 295: 1 Samuel 9

Theological Commentary: Click Here 


Discipleship Focus: Provision

  • Provision: God gives us what we truly need.  God knows our needs better than we can know them.  We learn to trust God to provide for us.

You might think this is an unusual topic to study for this chapter.  But let’s stop for a moment and count just how many times God provides in this chapter.  Remember that the people have just rebelled against God and His kingship and instead demand a human king.  Still, God provides.

First, notice that God does provide a king in Saul.  Yes, Saul is a flawed human being – but who among us isn’t flawed?  But what does God provide in Saul?  Saul is a man who can save the people from the Philistines.  He’s a great military general with a good tactical mind.  He is a personable king, who will be able to rally the people around him.  All things considered as far as humans go, he’s not a bad choice for king.  God provides a capable person in spite of his flaws.

With respect to Samuel, God provides a message to him in order to make sure he got the message right.  God gives Samuel a warning to prepare a feast.  He even provides Samuel with the tribe from which the new king will come!  God provides Samuel with everything that he needs to be successful in his calling to recognize the chosen king.

Finally, let’s look at what God provides Saul.  God finds the missing donkeys for Saul so that he can take the time and feast with Samuel and partake of his faithful presence.  Perhaps even more importantly, God provides Samuel for Saul to have as a resource for when he steps into the kingship!  God gives Saul what he needs to be successful as a king.

It’s neat to see God provide so abundantly in the very next chapter after the people reject God.  He is a gracious God.  How has He provided for you?

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