Arkansas State press., 1944-08-25

GOLDEN TEXT-Honor all men Love
the brotherhood Fear God. Honor the
king.-I Peter alt
We'll begun is half done" saws
the old proverb. reminding us of the
importance Of a good beginning
While 1t does not guarantee success
(see next weeks lesson. it is emi-
nently desirable. and truly helpful.
Israel had foolishly tired Of being
God-ruled nation and had began
to demand a 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 posi-
bility of successful reign. He
was
l. Wanted by the People (9;l5.
| 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:
25l-humble CAD, spiritually right
rQ0.6-0, tolerant and kindly Ql:lO.
and good military leader (ch. III.
! II. Chosen by God Old.
I 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 suspicious token
for good.
Observe that what looked like
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. Amounted by the Prophet g:
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 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 (e:2D.
That pride. which was ultimately
to be Sauls 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 beft the man who
stands in the presence OF the AL.
mighty.
v. Guided by Principle (l0:25).
Saul did not enter upon his office,
new as 1t was to both him and to
Israel, without Constitution, that
Is, without principles OF action
Samuel, the Lords prophet, wrote
down 1.-The manner OF the kingdom
in a book. How interesting, and
how important
Rulers who imagine themselves SC
wise that they need no controlling
laws, and so powerful that the Law
may not question their decisions
are certainly not rulers after God .
plan Knowing the heart OF man
his weakness and pride, God ha.
provided true principles by which
the ruler Is to be guided. yes anc
controlled.
vi. Forgiving in Spirit (1o;26-27
ll:i2, l3).
Some worthless fellows de
spised Saul and would not recog
nize him as king. The urge Of tn,
flesh was to destroy them, and espe
cially did that seem proper becaus,
Of their worthless nature. But Saul
in true kingly spirit, said that Their,
was to be no revenge, just rejoicing
To be OF the right spirit towarc
ones enemies is the hall mark O
Christian character,
VII. Established in ONCE III
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
ogntion which establishes the Lord!
servant In the eyes Of all people
Saul had this at Gilgal. 1t placed
him among the kings of the earth
and prepared the way for his deal
ing with other nations as well a,
with his own people
Applying that truth to those wht
serve Christ, we say that there /!
upon the church the obligation t
recognize Gods call and anointin,