How can we trust God's decisions in leadership as seen in 1 Samuel 10:20? Setting the Scene “Then Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected.” (1 Samuel 10:20) • Israel gathers at Mizpah after demanding a king (10:17–19). • God directs Samuel to bring the tribes forward, tribe by tribe. • The lot falls on Benjamin—God’s clear, public signal of His chosen leader. God’s Method: Casting the Lot, Guiding the Choice • In ancient Israel the lot was a divinely appointed tool (Leviticus 16:8; Joshua 7:14). • Proverbs 16:33: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” • The process removes human manipulation; the outcome is unmistakably God’s. • The people see that leadership is not a popularity contest but a sovereign appointment. Reasons We Can Trust God’s Decisions in Leadership 1. Sovereignty over nations and rulers – Daniel 2:21: “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” – Psalm 75:6-7: promotion comes “from God alone; He exalts one, He brings down another.” 2. Faithfulness to His word – Deuteronomy 17:14-15 predicted a future king; God fulfills His promise at the right time. 3. Perfect knowledge of hearts – 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – Even when Saul later falters, the choice serves God’s larger redemptive plan (1 Samuel 9:16; Acts 13:17-22). 4. Ability to use flawed people for flawless purposes – Romans 8:28 underscores His capacity to weave every thread—successes and failures—into good for His people. Implications for Today • God remains active in appointing authorities (Romans 13:1). • Visible processes—elections, appointments, casting lots—lie under His invisible hand. • Trust does not require agreement with every decision but confidence in God’s overarching control. • Prayerful submission and responsible citizenship honor His sovereignty while recognizing human leaders’ accountability. Scripture Echoes • Numbers 27:16-17 – Moses asks God to appoint a leader so Israel “will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” • 1 Chronicles 28:4 – David acknowledges God’s hand in choosing him. • John 19:11 – Jesus affirms Pilate’s authority was “given…from above.” Takeaway for the Heart The public selection of Saul through the lot reassures believers that leadership ultimately rests in God’s decisive hand. Because He is sovereign, faithful, omniscient, and purposeful, His choices—then and now—can be trusted, even when the leaders themselves prove imperfect. |
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