What other biblical instances show God's Spirit influencing people unexpectedly? When God Surprises Saul’s Messengers “So Saul sent messengers to capture David. But when they saw the company of prophets prophesying with Samuel standing there, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s messengers, and they also prophesied.” (1 Samuel 19:20) The capture party turns into a worship service—no one saw that coming! Scripture is full of similar moments where the Holy Spirit moves in ways that catch everyone off guard. Two Camp-Dwellers Start Preaching – Eldad & Medad • Numbers 11:26: “The Spirit rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.” • Moses’ chosen elders gather at the tent, yet two men who stayed behind are suddenly filled and speaking God’s word. Joshua wants to silence them, but Moses rejoices—proof that the Spirit blows where He wills. A Pagan Diviner Becomes God’s Mouthpiece – Balaam • Numbers 24:2: “Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, and the Spirit of God came upon him.” • Hired to curse, Balaam ends up blessing. Even a mercenary prophet can’t resist when the Spirit presses truth onto his lips. Artisans Receive Supernatural Creativity – Bezalel & Oholiab • Exodus 31:2-3: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” • The tabernacle’s beauty wasn’t built on raw talent alone; the Spirit unexpectedly equips builders with divine artistry. Reluctant Judges Suddenly Empowered • Gideon – Judges 6:34: “The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet.” • Jephthah – Judges 11:29: “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah.” • Samson – Judges 14:6; 15:14: “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him.” Timid farmers, outcasts, and impulsive strongmen turn into deliverers the instant God’s Spirit rushes on them. Kings and Courtiers Caught Off Guard • Saul the first time – 1 Samuel 10:10-11: strangers ask, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” • Saul the second time – 1 Samuel 19:23-24: he prophesies all night and strips off his royal robes. • Azariah son of Oded – 2 Chronicles 15:1-2: the Spirit falls on a little-known prophet who confronts King Asa. • Jahaziel – 2 Chronicles 20:14-17: an otherwise obscure Levite encourages King Jehoshaphat before battle. From the Womb to the Upper Room – New Testament Surprises • Elizabeth – Luke 1:41: “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” and blesses Mary. • Zechariah – Luke 1:67: “Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.” • Pentecost – Acts 2:3-4: tongues of fire fall on ordinary Galileans; 3,000 respond. • Cornelius’ household – Acts 10:44-45: Gentiles receive the Spirit mid-sermon, astonishing Jewish believers. Why the Spirit Moves Unexpectedly • To reveal God’s sovereignty—He chooses unlikely vessels so no one can boast (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • To advance His plans on His timetable—whether building a tabernacle, rescuing Israel, or opening the gospel to the nations. • To remind hearts that He is still free, still powerful, and still able to break into any situation—just as He did with Saul’s frustrated arrest party. |
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