King Saul's Calling and Confirmation

1 Samuel 9-10

The Bible Teaching Commentary

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Questions on God's Calling

1 Samuel 9

Paul J. Bucknell

A1. God's Calling (9) | A2. Questions on Calling | B. God's Confirmation (10)
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There are many questions about the confusing talk about God's calling. Here are some difficult questions and answers regarding God's calling.

One thing seems certain about callings. Although there are similarities, certainly there can be significant differences. King Saul’s call and the Saul (Apostle Paul)’s call are completely different. Nor should we think that one is better than another. Each is miraculous.

• Some suggest that there is no special calling. Is there?

The scriptures show us that God calls some people. God specially involves Himself in motivating, shaping and directing certain individuals like Saul. We must allow God to call certain individuals.

• Some grow up with a sense of calling. How does this fit into a special calling?

The Lord early on puts a self awareness of God’s call on their lives. He does not always do this. When He does, however, the Lord begins to shape the person early on for the upcoming tasks that He has for them. These callings provide an inner determination to move against opposing paths and by faith trust God for what needs to be done to obtain what God has put on their heart.

• Do only those in clergy get a calling? What about others? Can they receive a calling?

God does not give a ‘special’ calling to everyone. When it is needed, He provides. Many becoming a pastor or missionary need redirection and strengthening of faith. God provides. But if someone is already moving in that direction, then there is no need for these special signs. Our salvation calls differ just as the ways Jesus healed people in the New Testament differed.

We should not say one is better. Each is suited for its own purpose by our Designer. In this case King Saul clearly was not clergy. Certainly anyone can get a special awareness of something God wants done even if he is not a child of God (King Cyrus in Isaiah 45).

• How do these special calls relate to a general call to be a Christian or to generally serve Him?

All of God’s children are elected (literally ‘chosen.’) The calling is a special reference to the inward acknowledgment of what God has or desires to do in a person’s life. For the believer, each is chosen to go and bear fruit. The task of making disciples is put before each on of us. We can trust God’s Word to guide us to His purposes. If we need further direction, the Lord will provide that. No believer needs to wait to get going!

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Continue -> B. God’s Confirmation for Saul to be King (1 Samuel 10:1-27)

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell

info@foundationsforfreedom.net

Scriptures quoted from the New American Standard Bible unless noted
(C) Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1988