“Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?[a] 2 When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel’s tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, “What shall I do about my son?” 1 Samuel 10.1-2
It’s really unfair to blame Saul’s poor leadership entirely on him. He didn’t even choose to be king; his anointing was thrust upon him by Samuel and God. He did not run for the position, was not elected, nor did he desire it. His kingship resulted from Israel’s rejection of God as their king, and Saul was a by-product of that sin.
In chapter 10, we see the anointing: Samuel takes a flask of olive oil, pours it on Saul’s head, kisses him, and says, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over His inheritance?” That was it. Later in this chapter, we read how Saul made a great start with the Spirit coming upon him but quickly fell from grace.
The anointing that many would die for came upon Saul and made him king, but he was doomed to fail from the start. It’s like trying to follow a president like Ronald Reagan or a coach like Coach K; the person who follows “the guy” almost always struggles. In this sense, new king Saul was following the Lord as king. Good things were unlikely to come from this!
This raises questions about anointing, choosing, and selection. Most of us want to do something significant for the Kingdom of God. Some are chosen for particular tasks, others for grand ones, and some for smaller roles. Ultimately, it is God who does the choosing. What makes Him choose certain people over others? Is it the heart factor, as in the case of King David? Is it potential that led Jesus to choose the twelve disciples, even knowing some would fail?
I want to be chosen as God’s child. I am eager to work for Him, build the Kingdom of God, and make disciples. But my first desire, my only desire, my ultimate desire, is to know Him and be known by Him. I want to be chosen not to do but to be. I want to sit in His presence, rest at His feet, and find comfort in His arms. I want the Lord to lead me and guide my steps from today into eternity.
Saul was chosen to lead the nation of Israel, and he mostly failed in that endeavor. I want to be chosen to love the Lord, and with His help, I will sometimes succeed!
“O Lord God, anoint us with Your power and love. Fill us with Your strength, empower us with goodness. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me. Anoint me as a child of God and bless me accordingly. Put me to work for you or lay me aside for you. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen