God Calls Saul Series

Series: Israel’s 1st King [#2]

GOD CALLS SAUL

1 Samuel 9:1-27

Introduction:

In their stubborn rebellion against God, the Israelites asked for a king, and God gave them their request. God gave them a king not only to meet their needs; but to also discipline them. God wanted to teach them some lessons about His Sovereignty, and their responsibility

2 Chronicles 20:6

God is sovereign over everything that happens; but people are also responsible for their actions. The choosing of the King of Israel shows how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together to accomplish God’s purpose. Regardless of what we do, God will accomplish His purpose.

In 1 Samuel 9 we see the human side of Saul (what he was himself), while in chapter 10 we see God’s working in Saul’s life (what God did for him). It’s important for us to see both aspects in Saul’s life. God creates us with specific characteristics because He has certain tasks for each one of us to perform.

Let’s look at the human characteristics that Saul had- These are things that people look for in a leader.

1 Samuel 9:1

Saul was…

1. From a leading family.

When this verse says that Kish had standing, it was referring to his wealth and prominence within his Tribe. The Tribe of Benjamin was 1 of the smaller Tribes; but Saul came from a leading family in that Tribe.

1 Samuel 9:2

Saul was…

2. Physically strong and attractive.

In the East, height is very important- Those who are tall are respected and admired. Saul was physically strong and attractive; and there is nothing wrong with that. Those of us who may not be blessed with great strength or with beauty may look down on those who possess it; but we shouldn’t. God can use a person’s physical characteristics for His service- Including the fact that he or she is good looking.

1 Samuel 9:3-5

Saul was…

3. Obedient to his father.

The fact that Kish’s donkeys were lost may not seem like a big deal; but it was part of their family business. Saul didn’t question Kish’s request. He got 1 of the servants and they went to look for the lost donkeys. The search was not going well; but things changed.

1 Samuel 9:6-14

Saul continued to search for a way to complete his mission. God used his continued obedience to send him to a new place and to search for a person he had not met.

1 Samuel 9:15-27

Conclusion:

Saul went to look for donkeys and God was preparing Samuel to meet Saul and make him the King. This shows us that God can uses things that seem to be a menial task to prepare us for the great purpose He has for us.