Montgomery County sentinel., 1944-08-24

the brotherhood. Fear God Honor the
king.-I Peter 2:17.
well begun is half done," says
the old proverb. reminding us Of the
importance of a good beginning.
While 1t does not guarantee success
tsee next weeks lesson), it is emf.
nently desirable, and truly helpful
Israel had foolishly tired of being
God-ruled nation and had begun
to demand king.
Samuel was directed of God to the
man of His choice, Saul, In very
remarkable way. He entered upon
his service as king as an obedient
and earnest ruler. would God that
he had continued in that wayD
We note number Of favorable
elements which indicated the possi-
bility Of a successful reign. He
was
I. Wanted by the People 9:15,
16).
A ruler forced upon a nation is
sure OF opposition, but here the peo-
pie were clamoring for king to rule
over them. The way was wide open
to the interest and the affection of
their hearts. Saul was just the type
to please them. Physically he was
head and shoulders above the people
"a desired thing in a ruler (see
1929. He was mentally fitted 90:
25)-humble (9:2l), spiritually right
d0:6-9, tolerant and kindly 11:l3),
and a good military leader (ch. III.
II. Chosen by God Old.
All these qualities commended
Saul to God as well as to the people
In fact, he was Gods choice. A
man could not enter upon high Of
fee with any more auspicious token
for good.
Observe that what looked like a
purely chance visit to Samuel, when
Saul was on business for his father,
was the occasion for the making
known Of Gods choice. Out of a
simple experience in daily life came
an event which changed his entire
destiny.
III. AnOinted by the Prophet (9:
1920.
The man of Gods choice had met
Gods man, Samuel, who proceeded
to instruct him, and to privately
anoint him as king. It was a tender
scene. The aged prophet, rejected
by the people as Gods ruler over
them, quietly and sweetly obeyed
Gods command to anoint the young
man to be king.
Public recognition, which came
later, was important, but, with Saul
as with every servant of the Lord
the personal amounting of God, in the
hidden place of communion with
Him, was the matter of highest i'm
portance.
Nv. Humble in Attitude (9:2D.
That pride, which was ultimately
to be Saul's downfall, was beauti-
fully absent at the beginning of his
reign. Although of good family, and
well-equipped. he saw himself as
poor and insignificant. not ready for
such an honor.
That is the right attitude for one
who is to serve God. Pride and SELF
assurance do not befit the man who
stands In the presence of the AL
mighty.
v. Guided by Principle Q0:25).
Saul did not enter upon his office,
new as 1t was to both him and to
Israel. without a Constitution, that
is, without principles of action.
Samuel. the Lords prophet. wrote
down "the manner of the kingdom"
in a book. How interesting. and
how important.
Rulers who imagine themselves so
wise that they need no controlling
laws. and so powerful that the law
may not question their decisions,
are certainly not rulers after Gods
plan. Knowing the heart of man,
his weakness and pride. God has
provided true principles by which
the ruler is to be guided. yes and
controlled.
vi. Forgiving In Spirit Go: 26-27;
l1:12, 1S.
Some worthless fellows" de.
spised Saul and would not recog.
nize him az king. The urge of the
flesh was 10 destroy them, and espe-
cially did that seem proper because
of their worthless nature. But Saul,
in true kingly spirit. said that there
was to be no revenge. just rejoicing.
To be of the right spirit toward
ones enemies is the hall mark Of |
Christian character
VII. Established in Omce ul:
IA, l5).
While there is the secret whisper
Of God in the heart, and the per-
sonal amounting by the Lords serv-
ant, there should be the public rec
ognition which establishes the Lords
servant In the eyes of all people.
Saul had this at Gilgal. It placed
him among the kings of the earth,
and prepared the way for his deal
ing with other nations as well as
with his own people.
Applying that truth to those who
serve Christ, we say that there is
upon the church the obligation to
recognise Gods cali and amounting
by giving that official recognition
which sets the testimony and serv.