God Works in the King and in His People
1Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead, and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” 2 But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make a treaty with you, that I gouge out all your right eyes, and thus bring disgrace on all Israel.”
5 Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh. 6 And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled. 7 He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!” Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man.
1 Samuel 11:1–2,5–7 Read More
Remember when God told Samuel to tell Saul “Do whatever your hand finds to do?” It looks like one of the things was for him to plow some fields with oxen. He continued to work and to do what he knew to do.
When news came that Jabesh-Gilead was going to suffer and fall to the Ammonites, that new heart and new way of thinking kicked in. Before he was anointed king, Saul might not think anything of such atrocities in other tribes. He might not get involved unless it came close to his own home. Now, with a new heart to be king given to him by God Himself, he is moved.
Deciding to Follow God and Never Turn Back
When Saul killed his yoke of oxen and cut them to pieces, that was like selling the family business for one dollar just to make a point. The message went out and all of the people of Israel got a clear message of what this king was going to do. This is a beautiful (even though it’s pretty violent!) example of a leader stepping out in what he understands to be the right thing to do, and then the people that submit to him following by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God rushed upon Saul and moved him to action on this city’s behalf. When he sent word out to the kingdom, God rushed upon the people to move them to join Saul. This whole action would seal the deal on Saul being their king. They wanted a king to fight for them and free them from the nations around them. God was doing a great job as king, but with their judgment being based on the ways of the world, they didn’t see Him as their king.
Sometimes God provides a sealing event to confirm a decision we’ve made or to instill confidence in a person. These are the events that make us say “He’s the real deal” or “She is the perfect person for that job.” These kinds of moments are a gift from God. The circumstances are ripe, the person in question makes the right move, and BOOM. The more we watch for God in such things, the more we will notice Him.
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