Day 80 - 1 Samuel 9-12, Psalm 80

In 1 Samuel 9, we meet Saul, an important figure soon to be chosen as King. As a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, sets out to find hid father’s lost donkeys. Just the first of many divine coincidences. His servant insists they go to a seer nearby, the prophet Samuel. God had already revealed to Samuel that Saul would be the one to lead Israel. Look at the way God subtly weaves our lives into a beautiful tapestry.

Saul is made king (1 Samuel 10). Samuel called a great meeting of all the tribes. Each clan of the tribe of Benjamin was called. Saul, son of Kish, was called Saul was nowhere to be found. God reveled Saul was hiding among the supplies. Drug out into the limelight, Saul is presented as king. God's calling often comes before our confidence. He equips those He calls, even before they are ready.

When the people of Jabesh-Gilead are threatened by the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11), Saul, moved by the Spirit, leads Israel to a great victory. His leadership rallies the nation, silences his critics, and inspires unity.

Samuel gives a heartfelt farewell speech (1 Samuel 12), reminding the people of God's faithfulness and their history of rebellion. Samuel assures them that God will not abandon them if they, and their king, faithfully serve Him.

In Psalm 80, the psalmist, Asaph, begins by addressing God as the Shepherd of Israel. The psalm recalls how God once brought Israel out of Egypt. But now, broken, ravaged, and unprotected, the psalmist mourns, the nation’s suffering and destruction, asking why God has allowed it. Despite the pain, there is hope.