How can we recognize God's chosen leaders in our communities today? The Anointing That Signals God’s Choice “Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, ‘Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?’” (1 Samuel 10:1) • In Scripture, oil on the head is never empty symbolism; it marks a real, divine appointment. • The act is God’s declaration, not merely Samuel’s opinion. • Today, the outward oil is gone, yet the Holy Spirit still sets apart men and women for leadership (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20). Marks of Divine Appointment Today 1. Evident presence of the Spirit • Galatians 5:22-23 lists the recognizable fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. • Acts 6:3 expects leaders to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” 2. Faithful submission to Scripture • A leader who bends to the Word shows he has first been mastered by it (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Saul began with obedience to Samuel’s prophetic word; genuine leaders still respond to God-given instruction. 3. Humble, servant-hearted posture • Mark 10:45 frames leadership as service, modeled by Christ Himself. • 1 Peter 5:2-3 warns shepherds not to lord authority but to lead by example. 4. Confirmed character over time • 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9 supply a detailed checklist—above reproach, faithful in family life, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach. • Consistency, not charisma, authenticates a call. 5. Community affirmation • After Saul’s anointing, Samuel gathered Israel and publicly identified him (1 Samuel 10:24). • In Acts 13:2 the church at Antioch heard the Spirit say, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul,” and the body agreed. Scripture’s Checklist in Bullet Form • Sound doctrine (Titus 1:9) • Proven integrity (Proverbs 11:3) • Evident gifting (Romans 12:6-8) • Spirit-empowered courage (Joshua 1:9; Acts 4:13) • A life that draws others toward holiness (Hebrews 13:7) Testing the Fruit of the Anointing • Compare teaching with the whole counsel of God’s Word (Acts 17:11). • Watch interpersonal dealings—does gentleness rule? (2 Timothy 2:24-25) • Observe stewardship of small things; it predicts faithfulness in greater ones (Luke 16:10). Walking in Response to Recognized Leadership • Submit willingly, “for there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1). • Support leaders through encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 13:17). • Pray for continued filling of the Spirit so the original “oil” never runs dry (Ephesians 6:18). |
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