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4. "And Saul said. There shall not a man be put to death this day: for today the Lord hath wrought salva tion in Israel" (1 Sam. 11:13). Saul shows a magnanimous spirit on this occasion. He recognized the working of God in his behalf. He clearly shows his possible greatness, as a ruler. But a man may start out well in service for God and end sadly. This fact is vividly witnessed in king Saul, as we see in his treatment of David in subsequent chapters. The test of a person’s profession of god liness is its endurance, its wearing quality.
Samuel —another touch of humility that appears to put Saul in good light. The fear of the Lord fell upon the people, and they mustered a ,strong army and overcame the Ammonites. Because of this success, the people wanted to punish the “base fellows” who had refused to accept Saul as their king. But S^iul said, “There shall not a man be put to death this day: for today the Lord hath wrought sal vation in Israel” (v. 13). It is a pity that Saul did not continue in this spirit of humility throughout his years as king. In him we see an ex ample of how good the flesh can ap pear, until it gains the upper hand. Stirred with enthusiasm over this victory, “ all the people went to Gil- gal, and there they made Saul king” (v. 15). The Lord had given them many victories, but now they had a man to whom to give their praise. They should have known that the Lord is the only source of triumph for His pedfcle, whether the success .comes by the hand of a man or by supernatural means, and that to Him alone belongs all the praise. Points and Problems 1. "Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear" (1 Sam. 9:15). Literally, the statement reads, “Now the Lord had uncovered Samuel’s ear.” It is a figure of speech setting forth the thought that God had been whispering secrets -into the ears of his servant. It is a precious truth to know that God continues to whisper secrets into the ears of those who walk close to Him. Likewise, the New Testament reveals a number of divine secrets or “'hiysteries” .which God has made known to His own, but which are an enigma to the world (cf. Eph. 3:3-21). 2. "Am not 1 a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel?" (1 Sam. 9:21). Saul of Tarsus also came from the tribe of Benjamin. The Lord Jesus came from Bethlehem and Naz areth. God often looks in lowly places |o find those whom He would have to serve Him. None need imagine that large usefulness in the kingdom of God is beyond the reach of those sit uated in humble environments. 3. 'There went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. But the children of Belial said, How shall -this man save us?" (1 Sam. 10:26-27). We see the same two at- 0 titudes evident whenever people are confronted with the King, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. God-touched hearts rejoice in His presence and sal vation. But there are usually some “children of Belial,” who speak dis paragingly of the Lord and despise . His grace.
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Golden Text Illustration 1 P et e r 2:17
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% ou ’VE heard o f “ D-Day” and “ V-Day” in the military plans. As a Sunday School leader you should also realize that there are “ S-Days” ahead for your school. These are “ Summer Days” that can easily become lazy days, when heat and humidity, the lure o f a quiet hideout form a combination dangerous to tRe spiritual welfare o f Young America. But your Sunday School can come out victorious over “ S-Days.” Jta&eSumme/i^)atjs"Success¿)ays” How? By a sound Bible-teaching program, prayerful and well-planned preparation, prompt and consistent attend ance, between-Sunday contacts with pupils, application of effective teaching aids, aggressive superintendent leadership. During early summer days put on a Daily Vacation Bible School for those boys and girls below employment age. Turn this summer into not only “ Success Days,” but “Salvation Days” as well. TH E PUBLISHERS: All Bible Graded Series of Sunday School Lessons; Superior Summer School Series for Daily Vacation Bible School; Sunday School papers . . .“ Power” for 'teen-age young people and My Counsellor for 9-13 year old boys and girls. A postcard inquiry will bring you sample copies and full particulars* (No* 4 in a Series of Vital Messages to Sunday School Leaders)
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