How can we discern God's chosen leaders in our communities today? Reading the Scene in 1 Samuel 10:23 “So they ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others.” Samuel has already anointed Saul in private (10:1), but here the LORD publicly identifies him. The prophet has gathered all Israel by tribe, clan, and family; the lot falls to Saul, who is found hiding among the supplies. He is pulled forward—reluctant, yet unmistakably marked out by God. Principles for Discernment Today The narrative supplies a framework we can still follow: • Divine Initiative — God chose Saul before the people ever saw him (10:24). • Prophetic Confirmation — Samuel’s prior word matches the public lot. • Public Recognition — When Saul steps out, “the LORD has chosen him” becomes obvious to all. • Spirit Empowerment — Saul had already experienced the Spirit’s rush (10:6, 10). These principles recur throughout Scripture and guide us in recognizing God-appointed leaders now. Marks of a God-Selected Leader 1. Clear Calling • Acts 13:2: “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” • A genuine inward summons affirmed by outward circumstances. 2. Godly Character • 1 Timothy 3:2–3 lists temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, not quarrelsome. • 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man does not see what the LORD sees… the LORD sees the heart.” Character outweighs height or charisma. 3. Spirit Empowerment • Acts 6:3: “Select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.” • Not merely talent, but evident fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). 4. Humble Posture • Saul hides; Moses protests; David waits. True leaders do not grasp for position (James 4:10). • Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.” 5. Doctrinal Fidelity • Titus 1:9: “Holding firmly to the faithful word… able to encourage and refute.” • Alignment with the whole counsel of God safeguards the flock (Acts 20:27-31). 6. Affirmation by the Body • The people shout, “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10:24). • Today, congregational recognition, elder affirmation, and orderly commissioning (2 Timothy 1:6) confirm the call. Practical Steps for a Congregation • Saturate the process in Scripture reading and prayerful waiting, as Samuel did. • Examine testimonies of calling and observe consistent fruit over time. • Compare candidates against clear biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). • Seek unity; rushed or divisive appointments often reveal human promotion, not divine selection. • Watch for Spirit-given gifting that builds up the body (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Maintain accountability structures so leaders remain under the Word they teach. Living the Lesson Together God still raises leaders, often in surprising packages. By anchoring ourselves in His unchanging Word, yielding to the Spirit’s guidance, and listening together as a community, we can recognize those He has already chosen—then gladly stand with them as Israel finally did with Saul, ready to follow wherever the LORD leads. |
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