Choices as a Measure and Mirror
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Choices as a Measure and Mirror
Text: 1 Samuel 10:14-27
- At bottom, why did the people of Israel in the time of Samuel and Saul insist on the establishment of a traditional human monarchy in place of trusting in God alone as their invisible ruler? (1 Samuel 8:5) What was their fundamental problem? Can you think of any real or potential analogies to their error in our own choices today?
- The people of Israel (for the most part) were attracted to their new king because of his regal appearance rather than any godly attributes. Is there a lesson (or warning) for us in that basis of approval?
- Earlier (10:6-9) we are told that God (psychologically) “changed [Saul] into another man.” In today’s text, when it comes time for the nation as a whole to ratify Samuel’s earlier private anointing of Saul as king, we find Saul on the scene but (verse 22) hiding out of sight among the baggage of the gathered assembly. How do we explain this strange behavior in the case of a man whose mental makeup had been transformed into that of a leader of men?
- Our choices define us (see 10:24-27 esp. 27). When one clearly knows God’s will or appointment and, yet, rebels against it, how would the Lord characterize such persons based on this text?
- What, to you, is the biggest take away from today’s study?