A place of honor

1 Samuel 9:22-27

A place of honor is exciting, and it is also very rare to most of us, but when honor is extended when no act or accomplishment has taken place that can be very humbling.  No one got praised for coming in last, it was evident we were not very good at the task at hand, and all we know about Saul at this time, he is from a family of affluence, he was taller than all his people, and he was handsome.  He cannot manage to locate a few lost donkeys, and yet Samuel is having Saul sit in the seat of importance, the head table and he getting a portion of meat set aside for the exclusive guest.

They are coming down from the high place into the city, and the bed was spread for Saul on the roof, and he lay down to sleep.  Can you imagine the conversation that took place on that roof with his servant?  We have no clarity on what, if anything was said.  But if the servant was on the roof I bet it went something like this; what happened today, why were you in the seat of honor, why the particular portion, and Saul replied, buddy I do not have a clue?

It is the next morning, it is the break of dawn, now that’s early for many who have never witnessed a dawn, it is a particular time when the sun is coming up on the horizon, and you awaken to a sky full of the most amazing colors.  And Samuel is saying get up and be on your way; it does not say one thing about breakfast, or food, but just the mission of the day.  So when they are in the street, Samuel tells Saul to send his servant on ahead for he has some words for Saul’s ears only.  And what are those words, the same ones God has been sending to you and me, “that I may make known to you the word of God.”

It is true, but we seem to be too immature to understand that it is God speaking, much like the young boy Samuel when Eli knew it was God talking to Samuel and gave Samuel this directive;  “Speak LORD for your servant hears.”

Tomorrow we will explore chapter 10:1-16; it is going to blow your doors off if you are trying to earn your way into the grace of a Holy God.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice