Thibdx, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
King Saul and the donkeys
Saul’s story begins with three lost donkeys. His family was most likely a wealthy family but not a royal one. They probably never thought their family would have a king. They were from the tribe of Benjamin. They were least of all the tribes and Saul’s clan was the humblest (least prominent of the clan) according to Saul (I Samuel 9:21). Saul’s father Kish tells him to take a servant and go find the three missing donkeys.
Samuel finds Saul
Donkeys were prized possessions. Usually, owned by wealthy families. The donkey was a symbol of industry, wealth, and peace. Saul and the servant were gone three days without finding them. Saul tells the servant that they needed to return to his father. Knowing his father would be worried about them more than concern for the donkeys. The servant tells him there is a “seer” that might be able to tell them where to find the animals. As it happened the servant had a silver coin to pay the “seer” whose name was Samuel. They go to find Samuel. While on the way, they run into Samuel.
Where is Saul for the announcement?
Samuel recognizes that this was the man that the LORD had chosen to anoint as king. The people wanted a king to replace the judges. When Samuel separates out the tribes and the clan and Saul’s family is chosen. Where’s Saul? He’s hiding behind the baggage!!! Hiding when God wants to announce him as their king.
Hiding? Humble or Coward?
Saul is accepted by the Israelites because he looked the part. He was taller than most. He was handsome. Was he humble or was he cowardly? When all the people cheered and cried out, “Long live the King,” they were really saying we do not want God to be King of Israel.
Saul had everything
Saul had everything going for him. He was strong, given a new heart which in the Bible indicates he was a changed man. Now, he had God’s anointing given to him. He had loyal friends who went home with him after the ceremony. He also had friends that called him worthless. He had Samuel’s guidance and prayers.
A Great King for Two Years
For two years he was a great king!!! Two years… He reigned forty or forty-two years depending on which theologian you read. 2 out of 42 years!!! Not good! Starting well is great! But how you finish tells more about character and integrity. It will be how you end that means more. Remember LifeLong Daily Practice! Every day is the day we need to seek him.
Where Are You
Are you hiding in the baggage? When opportunities arise to serve, are you slinking down and trying to get out of them? Is it fear that keeps you hiding? (See Von’s posts on fear! It can change your life) Stop running chicken little! Cast out the fear. Is it insecurity? Is it unforgiveness? Is it unconfessed sin? Is it complacency? Or is it plain self-absorption? Ouch! Are my toes turning blue?
What are our reasons for hiding
Moses thought he was unqualified! David was too young to fight the giant! Adam was too afraid to tell his wife “No”. We can all find reasons to hide from what God calls us to do. Now is not the time for hiding! People need the LORD. Our country is in dire need of people to step up and be counted for the LORD. It will cost you something. BUT with GOD, we can accomplish whatever He asks.
Don”t
1. Be a Saul!
2. Run and hide.
3. Make curses or oaths – know that sometimes they will come back on you.
4. Leave the LORD out of decisions when you know the answer is no, don’t do that!
5. Let jealousy over-take you.
6. Let anger rule your life.
Finally, Don’t let unforgiveness seal you in such a way that you are rendered useless.
Lessons Learned
Saul had many lessons for me this week. Mostly the DON’Ts. Let me end with some “Do’s.”
Do seek the LORD while he may be found!
Do put others first. As Jonathan always did.
Do recognize that obedience is better than sacrifice.
Rest in Jesus not in what you can gain in this world. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God”
