Monday, June 6, 2016

1 Samuel 10 - Selected, Changed, Honored and Despised.

Saul is appointed King over the Lord's inheritance to lead the nation of Israel. Saul was revealed to Samuel as God's appointed man. He certainly looked the part; he was strong and tall, yet he was still ill-equipped for the job of King. God delights in calling the unlikely candidates to service and then by His power changing them so that they can fulfill their appointment. 

Saul is changed in his heart as he leaves this meeting with Saul. (1 Samuel 10:9) God may select someone while they are in the midst of their own weakness and failure, but He doesn't leave anyone unchanged. If you belong to the Lord, He  has changed you. He has given you a new heart to love Him and to follow in His ways.  But WAIT there's more!  Salvation is just the very beginning; that is your appointment as a child of God. God then will continue to grow and transform you into the character of Jesus using conflict and blessing together to mold you. This transformation is ongoing. 

Finally, as we go out into the world to join with God in service, we will find there are two different kinds of people we encounter. There are those who have been touched by God (our fellow Christians) who will work together with us to achieve God's purposes and there are troublemakers  who do nothing to help and despise us.   

We live in a world that is hostile toward God. The world promotes sin and calls it "normal".  Peter calls these "terrible times" (2 Peter 3:1-9). We who live in these last days should not be surprised by the headlines around us - they were foretold. But note Saul's response. he did not retaliate as he surely could have being King; but he kept silent. When the world comes against us can we commit justice to God and not take vengeance ourselves?  God is more than able to defend and care for us. Trust Him with your situation today. 

As with Saul, so we go out into the world  having been appointed, changed and knowing we will find fellowship among believers and opposition in the world. As we go into last days, it seems that we need to spend time seeking God and fellowship ping with our fellow believers drawing strength for the purpose God has called us to. We have a job to do that God is equipping and changing us for. Let's seek God and join together with him in His work here. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him. 

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