“Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” 19 “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart. 20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?” 21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” 22 Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and seated them at the head of those who were invited—about thirty in number. 23 Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told you to lay aside.”24 So the cook took up the thigh with what was on it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, “Here is what has been kept for you. Eat, because it was set aside for you for this occasion from the time I said, ‘I have invited guests.’” And Saul dined with Samuel that day. 25 After they came down from the high place to the town, Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of his house.26 They rose about daybreak, and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way.” When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside together. 27 As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us”—and the servant did so—“but you stay here for a while, so that I may give you a message from God.” 1 Samuel 9.18-27
Well, that was unexpected! Saul thought he came looking for donkeys, and lo and behold, he received a prophetic word! He was treated as the guest of honor, spent time with the prophet of Israel, Samuel himself, and feasted on an incredible meal. And now, he would be given a message from God.
To summarize—Saul comes to Samuel, the seer, looking for his donkeys. Little does he know the seer is looking for him! Samuel tells him his donkeys have been found and are on their way home, but more importantly, his family has found favor with God and Israel (v.20). Saul questions this blessing, saying, “Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans?” (v.21).
Then Samuel brings Saul into a feast of 30 people, giving him the choice meat to eat. After Samuel and Saul have a conversation on the roof of his house, Samuel tells the servants to go ahead, but to Saul he says, “Stay here for a while, so that I may give you a message from God.”
Now, we know the word given to Saul will be both a blessing and a curse. Saul’s life would be filled with conflict, doubt, and struggle. And yet, it could have been primarily a blessing if Saul had not downplayed his own abilities, his tribe’s, or his clan’s. If he had received the word of God with grace and acceptance, putting his faith and trust in God, his story might have been different.
Sometimes, God has a word for us—perhaps not to reign over Israel, but to make an impact where we are situated. And our reception of that gift matters. God knows our path. Saul had no idea what was coming next, but putting our hope and trust in the Lord to guide and lead is the best course of action.
How can you trust God with your circumstances? How can you lean on Jesus to lead you? What are you waiting for to receive an word and blessing from God?
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for allowing us to walk in Your ways. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power and love. Even when I do not know the rest of the story, I see Your face, I love Your name. I praise You, Lord, this day, for You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.