Sunday, February 7, 2010
Real Potential
(I Samuel 9:1-10)
Little is more tragic than wasted potential. From time to time we meet with someone who seemingly has the proverbial world by the tail. He’s smart, handsome, athletic, personable, and winsome. He is liked by all, admired by his competitors, and imitated by the young. In short, he’s got all the potential in the world.
Years pass, and we wonder what ever happened to so-and-so. Perhaps a chance meeting with a mutual acquaintance tells the story: “It sure seemed like he’d be a success, but he’s never really done anything with his life.” And so the story goes—real potential, tragically wasted.
In today’s Scripture reading we meet the young man Saul, a youth of real potential. Even his physical bearing was impressive (2). Reading the simple story of his pursuing his father’s lost donkeys, we find a young man of budding character. Note, for example, how thorough Saul was in seeking the lost animals (3, 4). When he did not find them in one location, he travelled farther. He simply wouldn’t accept easy defeat.
Notice also that Saul was thoughtful. Not only did he consider the importance of the task at hand, but he considered his father’s possible concern at his long absence (5). When contemplating a visit to the man of God, Saul’s generous heart thought about an appropriate gift (6, 7).
Lastly, take note that young Saul was thankful. His servant had the boldness to suggest a solution to their dilemma, and Saul gratefully accepted the idea, giving credit where credit was due (10). How sad that these noble traits of youth eventually faded, and all of Saul’s early potential never met with fruition! l
