Scripture to Read: 1 Samuel 9:1–27
As God led Samuel, we find in 1 Samuel 9 how God connected Samuel and Saul. Note how Saul is described in 1 Samuel 9:2, “Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.” Everything we see here is about Saul’s outward appearance. But we know that God is more concerned about the heart of mankind, for we read in 1 Samuel 16:7, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Again, we must remember that God was giving Israel their first earthly king and God knew the hearts of the Israelites. God knew the Israelites would focus only on Saul’s outward appearance, never considering the kind of heart Saul had for the Lord. God had already prepared Samuel to meet Saul (1 Samuel 9:15–17), so, when Saul showed up, Samuel knew he was the one God would use to rule Israel. If we’re not careful, we will judge others merely by their outward appearance, never considering their heart for our Lord. God already knows the condition of our hearts, but as we pursue our fellowship with Him, we will become more and more like Him, which is what God desires from each one of us (Ephesians 5:1).
Challenge & Application
How did God work in Samuel and Saul’s lives to bring them together?
How do you see God guiding you each day, and how are you submitting to God and His Word to be more like Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!