Day 102, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Samuel 9:3–12:25
Grace and Personal Responsibility
God’s deliverance may come from unlikely sources. For instance, we could get an unexpected check in the mail to cover some financial shortfall. When we get something like that, it is God’s grace (and maybe another person’s kindness). How we spend the money is our responsibility. Even if we do not get a check in the mail, the LORD shows his favor in other ways—He loves to confound the wise and exalt the humble.
Israel wants a king, and God is gracious
When Samuel, Israel’s priest and prophet, is old, God’s people ask for a king. This request displeases Samuel and the LORD. But God, hearing their cries from Philistine oppression, and knowing Samuel’s sons are not faithful, grants their request. He is gracious, giving them what they do not deserve.
Therefore, when Saul, a tall, handsome young man, comes to Samuel one day to inquire about some lost donkeys, the prophet anoints him to become the first king. Then Samuel tells Saul some prophecies which soon come true, and he tells him that God will change him into a different man. What does he mean?
God changes Saul’s heart
Some say when God changes Saul’s heart, he is spiritually born again or regenerated (1Samuel 10:6-10). Others say that when he transforms Saul’s heart to another man, the word “another” may mean different or even strange.
The latter interpretation seems preferable because Saul, although not a prophet, suddenly becomes one, foretelling and proclaiming the word of the LORD. Furthermore, spiritual regeneration is a foreign concept in the Old Testament Scriptures. The Holy Spirit does not permanently indwell people; he comes and goes as he pleases. Later, Saul will act more like an unregenerate man, but at least he begins well.
Regeneration in the Christian context means spiritual rebirth and enlightenment. When by God’s grace, we believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for us, God forgives our sins, we have peace with him, and he gives us spiritual life and understanding. When the Holy Spirit changes us today, he dwells within us permanently, and we are his(Ephesians 1:13,14). Are we sure of our salvation? The Apostle Paul would later write,
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.... You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. (Romans 8:5,9, NIV)Saul’s humble beginnings
Saul is a somewhat unlikely person to be chosen as king. Although he looks like a king, he does not seem otherwise qualified. Saul does not come from Ephraim or Manasseh, the most powerful tribes. Neither does he come from Judah, from which the LORD prophesies that a chosen king will come (Genesis 49:10). He comes from the smallest of tribes, the tribe which was almost wiped out for her sins (April 2 Bible study). Indeed, this is an unlikely place from which to choose a king.
We need to learn not to despise small beginnings as some Israelites did when they saw their newly appointed leader. God “mocks or opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, NIV). Saul has humble beginnings, but God touches the hearts of some brave men, and they follow the new king. When Saul saves Jabesh–Gilead from the Ammonites with an impressive victory, he becomes instantly popular with all the Israelites(1Samuel 11:1-13).
Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there reaffirm the kingship.” So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration (1Samuel 11:14-15, NIV).Responsibility
After Saul’s inauguration, Samuel gives a warning to the Israelites and to the king. He tells them that by desiring a king they have rejected the LORD who delivered them from slavery in Egypt and helped them win battles. Furthermore, their choice brings responsibilities. The king will take the best of their land for himself and all the people he needs to run his castle and fight their enemies. Then God showed his anger by sending them an unseasonable storm with strong thunder and rain.
Nevertheless, God will not abandon his people. But, if they want his grace to continue, he tells them to serve and obey the LORD. If they rebel or turn to idols, they and their king will be swept away (1Samuel 12:13-15, 20-25).
If we think about it, God has not always punished us as we deserve. But, if the LORD has been gracious to us, we must act responsibly for his grace to continue. We cannot live in sin like the rest of the world and expect God to overlook it. He will not. Let us not take God’s grace for granted. His blessings come when we serve and obey the LORD.
Discussion
What presence did the Holy Spirit have in the days of Saul, and what presence does he have today? Is it different? How?
What is spiritual rebirth and enlightenment?
Our pride can get in the way when businesses or ministries start small. Why should we not despise humble beginnings?
Focus Verse
James 4:6 (NIV) “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead: We have been shown grace, we are personally responsible for how we exercise it. Will we act with Faith or Obstinacy when we make our choices? Find out the results of each in our Next Lesson.
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