Compare Saul's humility with other biblical figures who felt unworthy of God's call. Setting the Scene • Israel is longing for leadership, and the LORD directs Samuel to anoint Saul. • Saul is introduced as physically impressive (1 Samuel 9:2), yet when faced with God’s call he feels small. Saul’s Humble Response (1 Samuel 9:21) “Saul replied, ‘Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and isn’t my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? So why have you said such a thing to me?’” • Self-assessment: “smallest,” “least.” • Questioning worthiness: “Why have you said such a thing to me?” • God’s answer comes not through flattery but through Samuel’s anointing (10:1)—proof that calling rests on God’s choice, not human résumé. Echoes of Humility in Moses Exodus 3:11 – “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh…?” • Past failure: a fugitive shepherd after killing an Egyptian. • God’s assurance: “I will be with you” (3:12). • Lesson tied to Saul: Divine presence outweighs personal inadequacy. Echoes of Humility in Gideon Judges 6:15 – “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest…” • Same tribal language as Saul: weakest, least. • Sign of acceptance: fire-consumed offering, later the fleece. • Result: Gideon’s 300 defeat Midian—victory designed to highlight God, not the man (7:2). Echoes of Humility in Isaiah Isaiah 6:5 – “Woe to me… I am a man of unclean lips.” • Confronted by God’s holiness, Isaiah feels morally unfit. • Coal from the altar cleanses him; then the call comes, “Whom shall I send?” (6:6-8). • Pattern: confession, cleansing, commission. Echoes of Humility in Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:6 – “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” • Perceived weakness: inexperience. • God’s answer: “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’… I am with you” (1:7-8). • Parallels Saul’s insecurity about status and age; God nullifies both objections. Echoes of Humility in Peter Luke 5:8 – “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” • Awareness of sinfulness amid the miraculous catch. • Jesus’ reply: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men” (5:10). • Transformation from fisherman to apostle mirrors Saul’s journey from donkey-seeker to king. What We Learn about God • He delights in choosing the unlikely (1 Colossians 1:27). • He meets humility with assurance, presence, and empowering. • He magnifies His glory by working through vessels that know they are weak. Takeaway Applications • Feeling unqualified does not disqualify; it can position us to depend on God. • True humility acknowledges smallness yet steps forward in obedience when God calls. • Examine self-talk: replace “I am least” paralysis with “The LORD is with me” confidence, just as He was with Saul, Moses, Gideon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Peter. |
    |