Then Samuel took the flask of oil and poured it over Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance?” 1 Samuel 10:1
Saul was called to lead, he was prepared by God, he was anointed. Samuel announced Saul as king.
Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Marti’s clan was chose,. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen, But when they looked for, he was not to be found. Do they inquired further of the Lord, “Has the man come here yet?” And the Lord said, Yes he had hidden himself among the baggage. 1 Samuel 10:21-22
So why does he hide? Did he fear that he was not capable of these responsibilities that God prepared him for? Do you think Saul doubted his abilities or God’s ability and wisdom?
Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. But some troublemakers said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. 1 Samuel 10:26
Isn’t this typical that all leaders face criticism. As Christians we stand out in a crowd, we face criticism and there are many who despise us because of our faith. Does that weaken our faith, make us fearful, less confident. Does it deter us away from our task of speaking Gods word or instead does that make us that much stronger?
What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:31-33
I hope this post comes to mind the next time God calls me to lead. I’ve always been told that God qualifies the called and that he doesn’t call the qualified. But I’m human, my confidence buckles under criticism. On second thought my confidence is non existent when it comes to leading. And then I feel like a failure. But then I have His word to set me upright and equipped for all challenges. Just like those Weeble toys. If we are grounded in His word, we will not be pushed down by our critics or our enemies.
This might be the first time I’ve ever thanked God for being bottom heavy! Reference Romans 8:28 Yep, that might be stretching it a bit.
I’ll close with Psalms 23:5
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Cindi (rustiqueart)
Sixty-six books in a year 