“As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.10 When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying. 11 When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 12 A man who lived there answered, “And who is their father?” So it became a saying: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 13 After Saul stopped prophesying, he went to the high place.” 1 Samuel 10.9-13
So Samuel was changed—transformed, if you will. He was just an ordinary guy, but when the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, he became a different person. What changed was Saul’s heart, his attitude, and his love for and desire to serve God. It was made complete within him, so much so that those who had known him formerly asked what had happened to him. They did not recognize him and even asked, “Who is his father?” and “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Needless to say, this was the best of Saul, for God was inside him and filling him up. I imagine his prophecy included words of praise to God and about God. He fit in perfectly with the other prophets, whose job was to remind people who God was and that living for God was the right thing to do.
After Saul prophesied, he went to the “high place,” where sacrifices of burnt offerings were made to the Lord. I wish Saul’s story ended here. All would be well, and we would always think favorably of him. But as we know, this is just the beginning of his story, and it goes mostly downhill from here.
For the moment, in those few hours, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. This is what theologians call “selective filling,” as opposed to the “general filling” that all Christ followers now enjoy. God’s selective filling was particular, choosing only those to whom He would give His Spirit. This filling was not available to everyone, unlike today, when anyone who commits their life to Christ becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6). The selective filling was a gift from God for a distinct purpose.
What was the purpose of Saul’s filling by the Holy Spirit? It certainly wasn’t for Saul’s glory; rather, it was for the glory of God. Perhaps God was showing Saul and all of Israel that it is the Lord who changes the hearts of humanity. It’s not really up to us, but up to the Lord.
However, our submission to the Lord and our commitment to Christ invite God’s Spirit to dwell within us. God changed Saul’s heart, and wouldn’t we ask that He would change ours as well? That we might be fully His and filled with His Spirit—so that He might receive praise and glory?
I encourage you to ask God for a filling of His Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid; just surrender. Allow the same God who put His Spirit upon Saul to do the same for you, so that you might know the riches of His glory and experience abundant life today, along with eternal life to come.
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your Spirit of love. Help me listen and hear Your voice so that I might be Your instrument today and this week. I praise You, Lord, for Your unending love that allows me to be Your hands and feet. Come now, Lord Jesus; have Your way with me. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.