How should we respond when God chooses leaders we don't expect? Setting the Scene in 1 Samuel 10 “Then Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected.” (1 Samuel 10:20) Israel expected a mighty warrior from a prominent clan, yet God narrowed the lot to the smallest tribe and finally to Saul, a man who had been hunting lost donkeys the day before. The narrative is a literal record of God’s sovereign choice, preserved so we can see how He often works through the unexpected. God’s Surprising Choice • Saul came from Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son—almost an after-thought in tribal hierarchy (cf. 1 Samuel 9:21). • The Lord directed the lot, not chance (Proverbs 16:33). • Similar patterns appear throughout Scripture: – Gideon hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11-16) – David, the overlooked shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:11-13) – The apostles, fishermen and tax collectors (Acts 4:13) – Ultimately, Jesus of Nazareth, “the stone the builders rejected” (Psalm 118:22; Luke 20:17) Why God Chooses the Unexpected • To display His sovereignty: “He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). • To humble human pride: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). • To highlight inward character over outward form: “The LORD does not see as man does… the LORD sees the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Responding Well to Unexpected Leaders 1. Trust God’s Appointment • “There is no authority except that which is from God” (Romans 13:1). • Accept that His plan may differ from our preferences. 2. Embrace Humility • Israel had to acknowledge that God knew better than tribal seniority tables. • Humility keeps us from grumbling (Philippians 2:14-15). 3. Support with Obedience and Prayer • Samuel told the people to follow Saul into battle (1 Samuel 11). • Paul urges “petitions, prayers… for kings and all in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 4. Exercise Discernment • Submission is not blind; test every leader’s words against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • When Saul later disobeyed God (1 Samuel 13, 15), Samuel confronted him, proving accountability still matters. 5. Keep the Bigger Story in View • Even flawed leaders fit into God’s unfolding redemption plan (Romans 8:28). Guarding Our Hearts While Trusting God’s Hand • Combat cynicism with gratitude for God’s continued rule. • Replace gossip with intercession. • Remember that honoring authority honors the Lord who established it (1 Peter 2:13-17). • Stay ready to obey God first if a leader defies His Word (Acts 5:29). Looking to the Greater King Every earthly ruler points forward—or falls short—of the perfect King, Jesus Christ. Saul’s reign began with promise and ended in tragedy, reminding us that no human leader can satisfy the deepest needs of God’s people. Our ultimate confidence rests not in who holds earthly office but in the One who “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). |
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