Let us continue to learn from the Prophet Samuel. Remember that godly Hannah prayed for her son Samuel and gave him to the Lord’s work. God answered Hannah’s prayer and empowered Samuel to be a prophet, a spokesman and representative for God. The people of Israel witnessed God’s truths and miracles through Samuel; you know, people who claimed to be prophets during Old Testament times would be killed if they stated a lie! Samuel was found to be a bonafide prophet for God!
So open your Bibles to 1 Samuel 10…. Let us hear from God through Samuel; read along with me v17-27…..
Let us summarize what happened then note Biblical principles to apply to our lives.
V17-18: Samuel reminded the people of their deliverance from slavery.
Now, before we get too hard on the Israelites needing to be reminded of God’s power over Egypt, how many of us are excited to see the new blockbuster movie Exodus? Do we really need to be entertained in order to grasp the power of God? Here’s my advice, similar to what Samuel was doing for the Israelites, before you see the movie Exodus, read Exodus 6-14 and grasp the power of God! Be careful of just being entertained and not really having the mindset of a powerful loving God.
If you have seen the movie already, go back and read the actual and only truths we need from God.
God created the entire universe but loves us more than that universe! Let us always have this in our minds: The Almighty God loves us more than the vast universe He created! May I suggest that the main theme of this passage is this: Let us always consider God!
v19: Samuel reminds the Israelites of their sin of rejecting God; God disciplines those He loves. (The Israelites abandoned the Almighty God who chose them but they were challenged to return!)
Now, what happened in v20-24? There are 2 important things we need to note to try and understand what happened. First of all, remember that Saul knew he was going to be picked because God told him. Secondly, the choosing was done by lottery; names were pulled out of a hat, sort of speak.
So, why did Saul hide? It does not tell us why, but just like keeping quiet to his uncle earlier, Saul was likely being humble. Now, remember that God is always teaching and Israel was still His Chosen People. And so, Israel actually responded the right way; The people sought the Lord and they were excited about what God was doing!
And in v25-26: we note God gives further instructions to Israel about having a king.
And what do we note in v27? Not everyone will follow God’s instructions!
And so, what can God teach us with this passage? Let us highlight the main points from the passage and ask ourselves if they apply today.
1. God reminded the Israelites of His power to save people! How does God remind us of His power today? Why do we celebrate Christmas?? – The eternal God became human flesh so that we can have a Savior.
1 Corinthians 6:14 ….tells us By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.
God has power to save and raise people from the dead through Jesus Christ!
2. The Israelites were reminded that God hates sin!
1 Peter 1:15 tells Christians, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do!” God is a perfect Holy God! If you’re going to pick a God, pick a good one!!
3. The Israelites asked God when there was a question. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
4. God is involved in lives and gives instructions! – Matthew 4:4
5. Some of the Israelites during Samuel’s time did not follow God’s instructions. Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
There is much here to remember. May I suggest we simply think of the main point of this message: Always consider God In our daily lives! Here’s a simple way of remembering:
Daily consider God’s H-E-L-P!
Consider God’s Holiness! Consider God’s Eternity! Consider God’s Love! Consider God’s Power!
All is available to us through Jesus Christ!
