His Resume was not Impressive

 1 Samuel 10:1-16

Do you recall we stated that Saul had a lot going for him, but his resume was not all that impressive, from the information that we have to view?  His dad gives him a job, find the donkeys, and he is a total failure, but from heaven’s view God is working to arrange this meeting with His prophet.

It seems to this writer that Saul would have his doors blown off by what is going to happen next, shall we begin with Samuel taking out a flask of oil and pouring it on the head of Saul and then kissing him.  Now that was part of the custom to honor or to anoint a person for a special task, and I’m sure you recall doctor Luke sharing about Jesus at the Pharisee's house.  This is from Luke’s gospel; “And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.”

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord, and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies.  And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage.”  God gave Saul three signs, and they all came to pass, but did you see what God did for Saul; it is what He has done for every person who has by grace and faith entered into Christ.  You will find it in verse nine: “When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day.”

 What a head on collision between grace and works, it may require you to reread and ask the Holy Spirit to allow you the understanding that Saul did not earn this place of honor, it was all God’s doing.  Samuel’s part was to do what God told him, but Saul was given a new heart, and it was not earned, and his involvement was just receiving this blessing from the LORD.

When you and I entered into Christ and He into us it was the same grace extended, and now as we walk as followers of Christ, it requires grace and faith, for in Faith we find the Victory.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice