Connect 1 Samuel 10:12 with New Testament examples of unexpected leaders. The Surprise in Gibeah “Then a man who lived there answered, ‘And who is their father?’ So it became a saying: ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’” (1 Samuel 10:12) People who knew Saul as a shy farmer were stunned to see him prophesying. God’s Spirit flipped expectations upside-down and made the onlookers coin a proverb that still rings: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” God’s Ongoing Pattern of Surprising Choices From Genesis to Revelation, the Lord delights in lifting the unlikely. He does it to display His sovereignty and to keep all boasting at the foot of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). New Testament Echoes of Unexpected Leaders • Peter and John—unschooled fishermen turned pillars – “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled…” (Acts 4:13) • Matthew (Levi)—tax collector turned Gospel writer – “And leaving everything, he rose up and followed Him.” (Luke 5:28) • Paul—fierce persecutor turned missionary theologian – “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles…” (Acts 9:15) • James, the Lord’s brother—former skeptic turned Jerusalem pastor – “Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:7) • Mary Magdalene—formerly demon-possessed, first witness of the resurrection – “Jesus said to her, ‘Go to My brothers and tell them…’ ” (John 20:17) • The Samaritan woman—social outcast turned regional evangelist – “Many of the Samaritans of that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony.” (John 4:39) What Ties These Stories Together? • Divine initiative—God chooses whom He wills, regardless of résumé. • The Holy Spirit’s empowerment—ordinary people receive extraordinary boldness (Acts 1:8). • Immediate obedience—each person responds in faith, just as Saul prophesied when the Spirit rushed on him (1 Samuel 10:10). • Lasting fruit—lives and communities are transformed, proving the call was real. Living the Lesson The proverb “Is Saul also among the prophets?” reminds every believer that God’s call can come to anyone. If He has placed His Spirit within you, the same power that lifted fishermen, tax collectors, and former persecutors will equip you for whatever task He assigns today. |
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