The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1944-08-24

GOLDEN TEXT-Honor all men Love
the brotherhood. Fear God Honor the king
Il Peter 2:17
well begun is half done" says
the old proverb, reminding US of the
Importance of a good beginning
While it does not guarantee success
(see next weeks lesson), it is emil
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 a 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 a number of favorable
elements which indicated the posi-
blllty of a successful reign. He
was
l. Wanted by the People (9:l5,
16).
A ruler forced upon 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 ruler (see
1929. He was mentally fitted 90:
25)-humble CAD, spiritually right
Q0:6-9D, tolerant and kindly 1919,
and good military leader (ch. ~.
ii. Chosen by God (9:10.
All these qualities commended
Saul to God as we'll as to the people.
In fact, he was Gods choice. A
man could not enter upon high Of
flee with any more suspicious 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
simple experience in daily life came
an event which changed his entire
destiny.
Ill. Amounted by the Prophet e:
1920.
The man of Gods choice had met
Gods man, Samuel, who proceeded
to instruct him, and to privately
anoint him as king. 1t 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.
~. Humble in Attitude (9:2D.
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 Goa. Pride and self
assurance do not befit 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 it 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 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. Forgiying in Spirit (lO:26-27;
HIP, l3).
Some worthless fellows" de-
spised Saul and would not recog-
nize him as king. The urge of the
flesh was to 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 Office Cl:
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 Lord s
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 we'll as
with his own people.
Applying that truth to those who
serve Christ, we say that there is
upon the church the obligation to
recognize Gods call and amounting
by giving that, official recognition
which sets the testimony and serv-
ice of the individual free to exer.
else itself among men in general