Friday 15th March 2019 - Daily Reading:
1 Samuel 9 - Unexpected Promotion by Becky White
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people rejoiced because their King had come. Yet Jesus turned out to be nothing like what they had expected a king to be. It was not long before their cries of adoration turned to shouts of “Crucify him!”
There was no such problem with the young Saul. In human terms, he was a perfect fit for a king – from a good, upstanding family, handsome, tall and strong. Not only that, but he clearly honoured his father and showed concern for his welfare, and he had the presence of mind to organise a gift for Samuel, so he was diplomatic and thoughtful as well. Finally, his response to Samuel showed that he was also modest and humble.
God heard the cry of his people. Even though their request for a human king must have saddened his heart, and he knew the grief that granting their request would eventually bring upon them, he chose for them the kind of king that they were expecting. Not only that, but he revealed his plan to Samuel so that his will would be fulfilled.
On that day, Saul set out to find some donkeys and instead found himself being honoured at a feast by Israel’s leading judge and prophet as preparation for being anointed king over a nation. We do not know what God has planned for us around the next corner, so let us serve him with honour, even if it feels as though we are merely herding donkeys!