Empowering Saul for God's Calling

Israel was chosen and blessed by God. After coming into the Promised Land they decided they wanted a king like all the other nations had. They weren’t satisfied that God himself was their Sovereign protector and provider. He redeemed them from slavery and dwelt among them. They were actually rejecting God as their Sovereign Lord and Father.

God let them have a king to rule over them. He sent the prophet Samuel to anoint the one that He had chosen. Saul was not from a great or renown family but notice what God said about him, “This is the man the Lord has chosen as your king. No one in all of Israel is his equal!” (I Samuel 10:24 NLT)

Before Saul was crowned king, the prophet Samuel met with him privately, anointed him, and gave him some specific instructions and signs. (I Samuel 10:1-9). These signs would confirm and empower Saul for God’s calling and purpose for his life. God has a purpose and calling for every person. What are some lessons we find in this passage of scripture to help us come into our purpose and calling?

First – ACCEPT THE GIFTS THAT GOD HAS FOR YOU. Samuel revealed that three men would come to Saul on their way to Bethel (the house of God) to worship. The number three in the Bible signifies the trinity of God. These three men would be bearing gifts. They are a type – three young goats for sacrifice signifying Christ who became our scapegoat and sacrifice for our sins; three loaves of bread signifying Jesus the Bread of Life whose body was broken for us (I Corinthians 11:17-26); the skin of wine represented the blood of Christ shed on the cross. “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.” Saul accepted the loaves of bread and climbed the hill to the altar of God. Only as you climb Mount Calvary to accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross can you come into God’s purpose and calling for your life. “For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift, of God not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Second – YOU MUST HAVE A CHANGED HEART. The Spirit of God came into Saul and he was changed into a different man. “As Saul turned to leave, God changed his heart” (I Samuel 10:9). The Holy Spirit works a supernatural transformation in your surrendered life. (John 3:3; II Corinthians 5:17; Romans 2:28-29)

Third – YOU MUST HAVE A TIME OF WAITING AND PREPARATION. Saul was to wait seven days at Gilgal for the prophet. Waiting was never Saul’s strong suit but he waited. Impatience has robbed many people of their God given purpose and calling. Later in his reign Saul failed this test. Before God can use you there is a time and test of waiting and preparation. Moses waited over 40 years. Joseph, David, Paul, and even Jesus had their wilderness. Be patient.

Fourth – WHO’S YOUR DADDY? When a band of prophets came towards Saul, “The Spirit of God came upon Saul and he too began to prophesy” (I Samuel 10:10). When Saul’s friends heard what had happened to him, they couldn’t believe it. “Is he among the prophets, too?” “Who does he think he is?” they asked. “Who’s his daddy?” Saul’s dad was not among the religious or the renown, but one of Saul’s neighbors replied, “It doesn’t matter who his father is, anyone can become a prophet” (I Samuel 10:11-12 NLT).

God is no respecter of persons. Anyone who goes hard after God can be filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesy and praise the glories of God. When Moses was asked to forbid certain men to prophesy in the camp he replied, “Would to God that He would put His Spirit on all men and they would prophesy” (Numbers 11:27-30). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Don’t let your parentage or your past keep you from the things of God. Go after God with all of your heart. (Isaiah 55) It doesn’t matter “who your daddy is” – everyone can become a “prophet” who fulfills God’s purpose and calling for their life. (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:15-21; Joel 2:28)

Fifth – STAY LITTLE IN YOUR OWN EYES. When Saul was to be crowned king of Israel, he was found hiding behind the baggage. He felt little in his own eyes even though he was head and shoulders taller than anyone in Israel. To fulfill our purpose and calling we must stay humble. God promises an inheritance to the meek. (Psalm 37; Matthew 5:5) Sadly, Saul later became proud, jealous, and disobedient to God. He lost his anointing and call. David stayed humbled and was exalted to be the new king of Israel. Humble yourself and God will exalt you. (James 4:6-10)

Who’s your daddy? It doesn’t matter. God will bless and use everyone who will seek Him with their whole heart. (Isaiah 55:6, 12) Accept God’s gifts of grace today through Jesus.
“For as many as received Him, gave He power to become son’s of God, even as many as believed on His name” (John 1:12).