1 Samuel 10:9-26
“As soon as Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart”. God knew the Benjamite has big shoes to fill. For if the Israelites rejected an all-powerful King to rule over them, how could this finite rookie stand a chance? We may be pushed to perform a task larger than us, but when God calls, He also enables. Like Gideon, Saul thought little of his clan (and himself!) to be singled out. But the least among us, He can make great. What we regard as impossible, He can make happen. Never before was Saul seen among prophets, now his neighbors were surprised to spot him prophesying with them. And just when you expect a man to get excited for his promotion or a make a move against his critics, this new king kept silent. His new heart knows when to go public and when to stay concealed, and which concerns are for family and which are not for their meddling. To establish this new monarch, God has to touch other hearts as well. There was Samuel to instruct the people and write down the regulations of the kingship. It is kinda awkward for a new leader to address a crowd once his equal. Some valiant men were tabbed too as first royal escorts to accompany and attend to him on his way home. God also made sure many people will shout well wishes to Saul. It is a crucial affirmation and encouragement to help him stand against those who will openly (and rudely!) question his credibility. Such is the lonely first days of even our leaders today. Sometimes it’s not the question of ‘can they’, but ‘will we’. Our out-of-this-world expectations will remain unmet unless we go back to Theocracy. For who can best lead us than He who cares for us the most?
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, Saul’s was changed. No leader can claim to have fully made a decision apart from the will of God. It always serves His purposes. We have to trust His sovereignty to overrule even at the cruelest of tyranny. That’s why we are called to honor our kings, submit to authorities, and obey our masters. We can! We have a God who is above all thrones and at His word, can uproot them all. We can vote against them, file a case if any violation was done, but once the decision has been made and God allowed them still seated up there, may we give it a rest and work with them instead. David spared Saul’s life, Daniel and his friends excelled even in exile, and Jesus paid his taxes! The heart change we’re praying for could be our own!
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