Mar. 23 - 1 Samuel 8-12

From what I have read Samuel is one of the most godly men in the entire bible.  There was not a documented sin in the bible that Samuel committed.  But, his fault may have been appointing his son's as judges.  His son's were not followers of God.  Just as we tend to have rose colored glasses on when we look at our children, it seemed Samuel did the same thing.  And b/c of their behavior, Samuel's sons were not accepted as leaders of Israel.  

The Israelites were asking Samuel to appoint a king.  They wanted to be like other kingdoms.  (These kingdoms that they wanted to mimic were not Israelite communities.)  Samuel did not like the idea but the people continued to ask.  He knew that there is only one King, and that there should be no other.  Samuel took it to God.  God told him to give them what they wanted, but warn them of the consequences.  They needed to learn on their own.  He also told Samuel not to take this personally....it wasn't the people rejecting Samuel, it was actually the Israelite rejecting God.  After fare warning the Israelites still wanted a King.

A tall, young man named Saul was out searching for his donkey when he was approached by Samuel.  Samuel was told by God that Saul would be the King.  There was not much background on Saul.  He was not documented as a "Godly" man at this point.  He seemed to be a regular guy.  

Samuel and Saul had a heart to heart and Samuel showed his support to Saul.  He let him know that he was being called to command God's people, but God was still the King (although the Israelites had again rejected Him).  

God then sent Saul 3 signs to confirm his faithfulness.  He then anointed him.  That was the coolest part.....It talks about Saul becoming filled with the Holy Spirit and becoming another man!  Up until this point he was just a regular unspiritual guy...now he was filled with the Holy Spirit and he was a NEW MAN!  

He makes a speech amongst the Israelites and tells them exactly what has happened.  They have rejected the very King that brought them out of Egypt.  He commanded them to present themselves before the Lord.

There were men who rejected Saul, but that didn't discourage him.  

To be continued......