When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said, “That’s the man I told you about! He will rule my people.” 1 Samuel 9:17 NLT
Read 1 Samuel 9.
Have you ever experienced one of those “in the right place at the just right moment” situations? Someone had the exact word you needed to hear or supplied something you needed at just the right time. Or, perhaps someone came across your path under unusual circumstances, and you connected so perfectly that you became besties, or even married!
That is what happened to me. My husband and I had been friends for many years, but then lived in different states for about ten years. I was in Ohio, and he lived in Georgia. It was during that time my marital status was erratically changed, and I thought my entire world was falling apart. Out of the blue, at just the right time, I was invited to a choir reunion in Tennessee. It was so wonderful to see all my old friends again! Jeff and I just so happened to be in the same place in our lives, and after that visit, we realized that God had set something wonderful in motion. He had an amazing plan for us as partners in ministry and in life. That moment began the happiest decade of my entire life, and it continues to this day!
I believe it is no accident when particular people cross our path. We usually call these “God moments,” and I think it happens more than we notice. Just like an orchestra with all of its intricate parts, God works as a conductor to bring all the pieces of our lives together flawlessly, if we cooperate. We may not realize that we have divine appointments every day.
Today’s story from 1 Samuel is all about a divine appointment. As events unfold, it is clear that none of it happened by chance. God orchestrated the entire situation.
Upon the demand for a king, God began setting events into motion. The first order of business? Scattering some donkeys! Yes, even that was part of the plan!
Kish was a wealthy and prominent land owner in Israel at the time, and he had a handsome son named Saul. As a matter of fact, he was the most handsome man in all of Israel, and he was head and shoulders taller than every other man in the land. When the donkeys went missing, Saul and his servant set out to find them. A ploy from God himself to put him in the right place at the right time!
After several days with no sight of the donkeys, they decided to seek help from the prophet Samuel. Meanwhile, God had put Samuel on the lookout for the one who would be chosen as the next king of Israel.
Now the Lord had told Samuel the previous day, “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him to be the leader of my people, Israel. He will rescue them from the Philistines, for I have looked down on my people in mercy and have heard their cry.” 1 Samuel 9:15-16 NLT
When Samuel and Saul crossed paths, it was the culmination of God’s plan to bring hope to the nation of Israel. Saul would be the very first king and the one God would use to bring about victory from the Philistines.
It took some time for Saul to process all that Samuel was about to tell him, but his first step was to be the guest of honor in Samuel’s home. He sat at the head of the table and had the choicest cut of meat. Imagine the swirling emotions young Saul must have been experiencing! We will explore this more tomorrow!
For now, rest in the assurance that God has your steps ordered, and His plans are for your very best!
God bless and be at peace!
