Main Verse: 1 Samuel 9

Good morning!

Saul, the son of Kish a Benjamite had gone in search of his father’s donkeys who had run away. For three days Saul and his servant searched for the animals and, having no luck, decided to visit the Seer. Earlier Samuel had prepared for his special guest by having his servants set aside the priest’s honored portion the shank of the leg or the one with the most meat on it. The next morning Samuel anointed Saul as the first King of the United Kingdom of Israel. Saul was from the smallest tribe in Israel and from one of the most unimportant families; So why was Saul chosen over any man in the nation? The answer is, “Availability”.

The Elders were afraid that they would be stuck with one of Samuel’s sons which was a fate worse than death. As a denizen of Israel at that time, I’d be wondering what kind of King would the Lord give? Would this man be brave like Samuel or driven by fear like the elders? Saul was an “unknown” or, a “nobody” and he would need prayer and encouragement because he was filling a big set of shoes. When Saul became the King, he would become the Lord’s anointed and that is a scary thought. Today many of you, like myself, are starting a new trek and have no idea what it will look like or how well you will do. My encouragement for you today is that you will commit your trek to the Lord (Proverbs 3:4-6), trust Him, and rely on His guidance (Psalm 86:1-5).

Stepping into a leadership role is a scary thing because it means people’s lives will be entrusted to you. As the Lord’s anointed, people will look up to you and you owe it to yourself and to those who follow you to follow the Lord just as Joshua did (Joshua 1:5-9) When we keep our eyes on Him, He will direct us little by little and help us to grow into our mission like our elder brother Jesus and those who followed the Lord did. Have a Little Faith (HALF) my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus

I.H.S. MK

Father,

You know us so intimately that our every thought, action, and behavior comes as no surprise to you. Like Saul, many are starting new ministries, forging new pathways, and/or stepping into leadership roles all of which compel us to question ourselves sort of like Saul did (Acts 1:15-20). Lord, I pray for wisdom and insight for the days ahead. May the words that I write, the songs that I sing, and the places I travel be pleasing to you Lord (Psalms 19).

In Jesus’ name