A Call
to Leadership
1 Samuel 10:17-27
Here Samuel summons the people to a public assembly
in order to present to them their new king. But before presenting Saul, he
begins with a word of rebuke to the people. He reminds them that they have rejected
the God who saves them for a human king who may or may not save them Vs 17-20.
Before the event at Mizpah, God assigned Samuel to
anoint Saul privately, the son of Kish as Israel's first King. Saul had many of
the enviable qualities people look for in a would-be leader: tall, handsome,
and from a wealthy father. He was someone the whole nation could, after all, be
proud of.
But on the day, he was to be presented to the
people, Saul was missing. The people of Israel conducted a search, but nothing
came out of it. Vs 22 So, they ‘inquired of the Lord’, and God informed them
that Saul was hiding among the baggage. What a heartbreak! The anointed King of
Israel was hiding among the stuff instead of taking his place on the prime.
Perhaps Saul was afraid to lead.
Have you been appointed of God to lead? Your time
is now. Luke 11:33, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will
be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who
come in may see the light”. You will never rise to your highest potentials,
as long as you insist on hiding amidst your baggage. It's your turn to testify!
It could be a call to write a book, go out on mission, or start a ministry.
Don't let your gifts die in hiding!
Vs 25 Samuel explained to the people the rights and
duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the
Lord. No matter how many people God may grant you leadership and influence
over, God is your primary focus. Serve an audience of one.
Then, Samuel sent every man to his house. Vs.26-27 Saul
also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God
had touched. But some scoundrels said,
“How can this fellow save us?” They despised him. Here we perceive, two groups
of people; those touched by God willing to accompany Saul, the supporters, and the
other, so spiteful as to affront him, the detractors.
When we choose to lead, God touches people’s hearts
to support our leadership. However, there will be a few detractors as well.
That’s okay. Our job is to please God, not certainly the people around us. Galatians
1:10: “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to
please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of
Christ.” We measure our leadership by God’s acknowledgement not by people’s
approval.
Still, how did Saul resent to those negative words
of discouragement spoken by the detractors. He was silent Vs.27.
Practicing the spiritual discipline of being silent is an awareness that God is
control and not we ourselves.
Yes, Saul was the first king of Israel, but there
is another King whom he foreshadowed. Jesus Christ, the true King of kings. People
questioned Jesus’ qualifications, are you the Son of God? and his ability to
save. (see the second passage Luke22:63-17). Jesus was very clear in His message;
His focus was to do the will of His Father; for He is the Son God. He served an audience of one.
Dear God, teach me to listen to the voice of the Holy
Spirit, on how to use the gifts you have given me. Let me not make excuses to
hide away from serving you. Help me to be less afraid of the many voices that
can dampen my spirit and keep my focus to serve you faithfully. In Jesus name.
Amen.