1 Samuel 9-10,  Psalm 98,  Mark 10:35-52,  2 Corinthians 3 

1 Samuel 9-10:

We now meet Saul (9:1-2). His father is rich, and he is handsome and taller than anyone else (9:2). What could possibly go wrong? From the beginning we get the sense that externally he was the “obvious” king type. But was his heart with God? 

We are introduced to Saul as he is on an errand which has gone wrong (9:3-4). He cannot find the donkeys. Saul does not appear to be the sort of person who knows how to find his way. He meets Samuel, and Samuel has been told before by God that he will arrive (9:15-17). And Samuel anoints him king (10:1). The Spirit of God comes upon Saul (10:10), according to Samuel’s signs (10:6-7), and the famous question is asked, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (10:11). Saul is now not an externally impressive leader; he is imbued with charismatic power too. What could possibly go wrong? 

Once more the narrator hints that all is not well. Saul is introduced as he is wandering about looking for donkeys, and when he is to be crowned king, where is Saul? “He has hidden himself among the baggage” (10:22). Saul, this tall, impressive, charismatically gifted individual, is hiding. There appears to be the beginning of an inner fear of the people, of the responsibility, an insecurity at a personal level that stems from a lack of vision for the might and power of God. 

Where God calls he equips. Fan into flame the gift of God (2 Tim. 1:6). God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of self-control (2 Tim. 1:7). Do what God has placed before you and has called you to do, in all humility, and in the strength with which he strengthens you.