Calling and Confirmation
1 Samuel 9–10
Paul J. Bucknell
2) Spiritual confirmation (1 Samuel 10:9-13)
Two significant spiritual experiences happened to Saul. Saul’s heart was changed, and the Spirit of God came upon Saul in a mighty way so that he spoke and acted like a holy prophet.
“Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day” (1 Samuel 10:9).
What does it mean that God ‘changed’ his heart? Does it simply mean that God made him more optimistic about his situation? No. There was a profound change in his life. The word ‘changed’ means to be transformed or overtaken. This is best understood to refer to a new heart or being ‘born again.’ Regeneration is the technical term for this change in a person’s heart, in which one once focused only on one’s own life needs. Afterward, however, he became genuinely concerned for God’s person and work.
Some might question whether this was genuine. I believe it was, but he let his fears and jealousies control his life and prevent him from trusting in the Lord. He chose to trust in what he thought was right, even though he was very inexperienced. There are some difficult things to reconcile with Saul’s life, but perhaps the warning we can take is to be careful about drifting away from the Lord, because without abiding in the Lord, we will carry out the deeds of the flesh.
3) Family confirmation missing (1 Samuel 10:14-16)
God might also have confirmed this calling through his uncle, but Saul deliberately hid what God was doing.
“So Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But he did not tell him about the matter of the kingdom which Samuel had mentioned” (1 Samuel 10:16).
I used to feel awkward telling my parents the truth about what was really going on. I was always suspicious that if they found out, it would embarrass me. I have since learned that I should have trusted them more. God works through our parents. This is why I mentioned earlier that the Lord might have confirmed Saul’s calling again if he had been honest. Our deceitful ways never work out the way we expect.
4) National confirmation (1 Samuel 10:17-27)
“Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found” (1 Samuel 10:21).
Samuel gathered all the people and cast lots to select Saul! This is a remarkable confirmation. This sign alone is completely convincing. Out of hundreds of thousands, one man is chosen. Samuel began this whole selection with some serious words.
“And he said to the sons of Israel, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians, and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ “But you today rejected your God, who delivers you from all your calamities and your distresses; yet you have said, ‘No, but set a king over us!’ Now therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans”” (1 Samuel 10:18, 19).
These words are no different from what was previously written in chapter 8. “They have forsaken Me and served other gods…” (1 Samuel 8:8). Could Saul’s cowardly response, which was very different from God’s incredible signs, have somehow caused trouble for himself? By acting cowardly, it’s easy to imagine how he might have caused some men to look down on him and think he wasn’t worthy of being king.
“But certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?” And they despised him and did not bring him any present. But he kept silent” (1 Samuel 10:27).
Conclusion
God did not simply appoint Saul and expect him to go into battle and win. Our misconceptions about calling or spiritual warfare might lead us to these conclusions, but they are not correct. We are not to rely on our own strength. Saul did not have to fight or lead by himself. The battle belongs to the Lord.
We must determine what God calls us to do and then faithfully follow through. Having direction, however, may not be the hardest part. As in Saul’s case, the call sometimes comes with an element of surprise. There will, nonetheless, be challenges in completing the task. God allows us to face what seems impossible. This is also true in Saul’s case. He, the farmer boy chasing after donkeys, is now meant to be the first king of a whole new dynasty. It is here, however, that we can experience the overflowing grace of God, which strengthens and empowers His people to accomplish His good and perfect will.