THE K I N G ’ S B U S I NE S S
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know that he was the embodiment of all that is Satanic— a foreshadowing of the Anti-Christ. When in His providence, God sent Saul to Samuel He said “ Behold -the man!” This was said of the first king, and of the last king (John 19:5). (2) SAUL ACQUAINTED WITH GOD’S; CHOICE, vs. 18-24. God had whispered it into the ear of Samuel (Psa. 25:14). ,“ The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” (John 7:17). “ If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it. be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” God now assures Samuel that the man is before Him. God always, guides and teaches if we are teachable. (Isa. 48: 17). So God spake to Philip (Acts 8: 26-29), and to Cornelius (Acts 10:5, 6). Sometimes through the most seem ingly trivial incidents God brings about His purposes. As with Moses and the burning bush. He had prepared a feast and invited the guests for this very event. God had spoken and Samuel be lieved. Why set our hearts on trifles when God has called us to be His chil dren? Why do not we measure up in a larger way to the height of our priv ileges? Note the submission of Samuel to the will of God, like that of John the Bap tist, “ He must increase, but I must de crease.” There is a communion feast, suggest ing intimacy at the table. Saul is given the best place and the best portion. It was probably a peace-bffering of which they were partaking, (Lev. 7:34). “ For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons, by a statute forever, from among the children of Israel.”
The shoulder and the b re a s t- strength and love— but Saul was given the shoulder (symbol of strength); but not the breast (symbol of love).' (3) SAUL ANOINTED AS CAPTAIN OF GOD’S PEOPLE, v. 25; 10:1. On the ■housetop Samuel communed with Saul. What did they say.? The housetop was Peter’s prayer-room .(Acts 10:9)., Samuel anointed Saul by pouring the oil upon his head. God’s law provided that prophets,, priests, kings and cleansed lepers should be anointed. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Lev. 8 : 1 2 ). “ And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.” (Also, Lev. 14:16, 17')1.’ “ Anointing is a symbol of consecration — setting apart. Believers are anointed when the Holy Spirit comes in to possess them. They are set apart as sons of God, and the Holy Spirit gives special anointings (lleb. 1:9). “ Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Israel insisted upon having a king, and God gave them Saul. God was with Saul for the .accomplishment of His own purposes, as He was with Israel in the wilderness, and with Abraham in Egypt; but Israel and Abraham both lost much by reason of their own wilfuldess, and poor Saul’s career will end in the black ness of darkness. Why not learn to say with a glad heart, “ Have your own way, Lord.” , “Not my will, but thine be done.” PRACTICAL POINTS (1) The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him. You must be close to hear a whisper. (2) God works out His Divine designs and shapes ^human destinies through trivial things.
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