During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions. Today’s writer is Don Hodde.
27As they were going down to the outskirts of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the boy to go on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.” Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him; he said, “The Lord has anointed you ruler over his people Israel. You shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their enemies all around. 1 Samuel 9:27-10:1a
Have you ever received some startling news, something right out of left field, something you just did not expect to hear? Perhaps of a new job opportunity, a suggestion to run for political office, or a request to serve in a role for which you don’t feel qualified to undertake? While in some ways you feel honored to be considered, proud to be recognized for your capabilities, you might also feel apprehensive, a bit insecure in your ability to really do this!
Saul probably felt this way when he encountered Samuel. Samuel claimed to have a ‘message from God’ for him, a call for him to rule over Israel. Described earlier in chapter 9 as ‘an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites’, Saul considered himself unfit for such a call! He too perhaps felt insecure, or perhaps was not wanting to go ‘all in’, to commit to the hard work and effort he knew it would take to succeed.
Sometimes that is what we are called by God to do. To step out of our comfort zone, to take on roles and responsibilities for which we don’t feel qualified, for which we don’t think we have the time it will take to do the job well, for which we feel insecure to fulfill. For the sake of moving His kingdom forward.
When God calls, God enables! When we trust His wisdom, seek His guidance, honor His ‘anointment (of us) as ruler over his inheritance’, with humility and commitment, we can boldly take on with confidence that which God calls us to do!
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, it is easy for us to make excuses when we feel insecure in our ability to do your work. To be afraid. Or perhaps in arrogance, downplay your call as not worthy of our time and effort. Help us to rely on you in all we are called to do to serve you, trusting in your call of us to move your kingdom forward. In Jesus name, Amen.
Daily Devotions 
March 17, 2014 at 6:55 pm |
Samuel’s call to Saul to rule over Israel, and Saul’s reaction as unfit and unworthy, is a perfect example of how many of us feel when the Lord calls upon us to heed his call to do His work. Don, you have expressed so well how we should trust in Him and work to glorify His name and move His kingdom forward.