Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Power for Service
(I Samuel 10:1-8)
At the behest of the Lord, Samuel anointed Saul to be “captain” over the Lord’s inheritance, the nation of Israel. Anointing with oil pictured God’s special selection of an individual and God’s enabling that individual to fulfill His purposes. The anointing was merely symbolic—the reality would come later.
In confirmation of his words, Samuel gave Saul several signs: (1) that the lost donkeys would be recovered, (2) that he would meet three men headed to Bethel, and (3) that he would encounter some young prophets (2-5). Samuel indicated that after the signs had been fulfilled, the Spirit of the Lord would come upon Saul, changing him into “another man” (6).
The change was not so much of inner character as it was in leadership ability. God’s Spirit would empower Saul to carry out his responsibilities. Though Saul possessed certain natural abilities, these would be magnified and multiplied by the Spirit’s resting upon him. God’s work must be done God’s way and with God’s power.
In the New Testament we read that the disciples were commanded to “tarry” in Jerusalem until they were empowered by God for divine service (Lk. 24:49). Though they had been given the responsibility of world evangelization, the Lord knew they would fail without the Spirit’s enabling. The disciples tarried, awaiting the mighty outpouring of the Spirit of God. The book of Acts records that on the Day of Pentecost the disciples were “filled with the Spirit” (Acts 2:4), finally prepared to successfully carry out their responsibilities. Like Saul and the disciples of old, we need God’s power if we’re to do His work. Pray today to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
