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 sometimes comes from unlikely sources. For instance, we may get an unexpected check in the mail to cover some financial needs. When we get something like that, it's God's grace (and maybe another person's kindness). How we spend the money is our responsibility. Even if we don't 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 Israel's priestly prophet Samuel is old, God's people ask for a king. This request displeases Samuel and the LORD, but God grants their request. He hears their cries from Philistine oppression and knows Samuel's sons are not faithful. He is gracious, giving them what they don't deserve. Therefore, when Saul, a tall, handsome young man, comes to Samuel one day to inquire about some lost donkeys, he anoints him to become the first king. Then Samuel tells this fortunate young leader 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 born again or regenerated (1Samuel 10:6-10). Others say when God transforms Saul's heart into that of another man, the word “another” may mean different or even strange. Saul, who wasn't a prophet, starts foretelling and proclaiming the word of the LORD. This makes the latter interpretation more favorable.
Spiritual regeneration was a foreign concept in the Old Testament Scriptures; the Holy Spirit came and went as he pleased. Later, Saul would act more like an unregenerate man, but at least he began well.
Regeneration in the Christian context means spiritual rebirth and enlightenment. When by God's grace, we believe 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 forever, 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 an unlikely person to be chosen as king. Although he looks like a king, he doesn't seem otherwise qualified. Saul doesn't 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 popular with all the Israelites right away (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 to serve and obey God. If they do, his grace will continue. If they rebel or turn to idols, however, 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 won't. Let's 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:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: We have been shown grace, so we are 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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