In what ways can we trust God's plan for leadership in our lives? A seemingly ordinary start • 1 Samuel 9:1: “Now there was a Benjamite named Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.” • The verse sounds like a genealogical footnote, yet it opens the door to God’s choice of Israel’s first king. • Takeaway: God’s blueprint for leadership often begins in everyday settings with everyday people. If He can raise a king out of a family tree, He can raise the right leaders for us. God handpicks leaders behind the scenes • Verse 1 introduces Kish, but God’s real focus is Kish’s son Saul (9:2). • 1 Samuel 9:15–16 shows that the LORD had already revealed Saul’s appointment to Samuel the day before Saul arrived. • Supporting verses – Psalm 75:6–7: “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west… but God is the Judge; He brings down one and exalts another.” – Daniel 2:21: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” • Trust point: Even when we know nothing of God’s private counsel, He is actively arranging leadership for His purposes and our good. God cares about details we overlook • The entire search for lost donkeys (9:3–10) looks trivial, yet it positions Saul to meet Samuel. • Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • Trust point: Daily inconveniences can be divine appointments steering us toward God-chosen leaders or roles. Our part: obedient availability • Kish sends; Saul goes (9:3–4). • Samuel listens; Samuel anoints (10:1). • Obedience places both follower and leader into God’s unfolding plan. • John 7:17 reminds us that if we choose to do His will, we’ll recognize His guidance. When leaders disappoint, God’s plan still stands • Saul eventually fails (1 Samuel 13, 15). God raises David (16:1, 13). • Acts 13:22: God “removed Saul and raised up David as their king.” • Romans 8:28 assures that God weaves even human failure into His larger purpose. • Trust point: Our confidence rests not in flawless people but in the flawless God who can redirect history. Ultimate leadership fulfilled in Christ • Every Old Testament king points forward to Jesus, “far above all rule and authority” (Ephesians 1:21). • Colossians 1:18: He is “the head of the body, the church.” • Because Christ reigns, every earthly leader is secondary and provisional. This anchors our trust when governments, bosses, or church leaders falter. Practical ways to rest in His plan today • Stay in Scripture daily—faith grows by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). • Pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2), trusting God to work through them. • Practice humble submission where it does not violate God’s commands (Romans 13:1). • Seek God’s direction before pursuing or endorsing leadership roles (James 1:5). • Remember that God can use ordinary tasks—lost donkeys, daily commutes, routine meetings—to position you for His purposes. Closing reflection If God could begin a national transformation with an unnoticed Benjamite family, He can certainly guide today’s complex landscape of pastors, parents, employers, and civil leaders. Knowing that the same sovereign hand writes our stories, we can trust His leadership plan wholeheartedly—even when it starts with something as mundane as a missing donkey. |
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