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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 23 July 2025:
1 Samuel 9:1–2 – There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish… a man of wealth. And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man… From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
Saul is introduced as an impressive young man from a wealthy family. The people had asked for a king “like the nations” (8:5), and God is about to give them exactly what they requested: someone who looked the part. Yet the outward traits that impress men are never the foundation of true spiritual leadership. This subtle contrast sets the stage for Saul’s eventual struggles. While God allows this king, He remains sovereign over the process and will still work His purposes through it.
1 Samuel 9:3–5 – Now the donkeys of Kish… were lost. So Kish said to Saul… “Go, look for the donkeys.”
The chapter opens with a seemingly mundane errand—Saul searching for his father’s lost donkeys. Yet behind this ordinary task is the hidden hand of God. What appears to be a simple logistical problem becomes the providential path that leads Saul to the prophet Samuel and ultimately to the kingship. God’s sovereignty works not only through miracles but also through everyday circumstances.
1 Samuel 9:6–14 – “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor”…. So they went up to the city.
Saul and his servant show humility and a desire for guidance when they choose to seek the prophet. They acknowledge that they do not have all the answers and are willing to ask for help. Even in this, God is at work—guiding their steps to intersect with His appointed servant. God uses their willingness to seek truth to move His plan forward.
1 Samuel 9:15-17 — Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. You shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel.”
God arranges circumstances and relationships to accomplish His purposes. If God calls you, you need only obey and let Him do the rest.
God had already spoken to Samuel the day before Saul’s arrival, confirming His sovereignty over the entire process. Saul did not find Samuel—God brought Saul to him. The people had demanded a king, and now God, though grieved by their rejection, is still responding with mercy and order. He will use Saul as a means to deliver Israel from surrounding enemies, even though Saul is not the ideal king. God’s ability to redeem human missteps with His grace is on full display.
1 Samuel 9:18–21 – Then Saul approached Samuel… “Am I not a Benjamite, from the least of the tribes of Israel?”
Saul expresses genuine humility and surprise at Samuel’s words. Though chosen for his outward traits, Saul’s initial posture seems modest. Yet this humility is short-lived. This reminds us that a good beginning doesn’t guarantee a faithful ending. Leadership in God’s kingdom requires sustained character, not just an impressive start.
Those chosen by God don’t need political power, social status, prestige, or anything else to accomplish God’s will. Christians can do anything with God’s power as God wills.
1 Samuel 9:22–27 – Then Samuel took Saul and his young man and brought them into the hall…. And as they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us… but you stand here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.”
Samuel honors Saul with a seat at the head of the feast, symbolizing the weight of the calling about to be revealed. Saul doesn’t yet understand the magnitude of what is unfolding, but God is setting him apart. This private moment of revelation underscores that leadership in God’s kingdom must begin not with popularity or politics, but with hearing the Word of God.
In Acts 9, another Saul — later known as Paul — is also chosen by God while walking a very different path. Like King Saul, he did not seek out God’s plan for his life. But unlike King Saul, the apostle Paul responds to God’s call with lasting obedience. The parallel reminds us that God’s calling always begins with His initiative, but it must be followed by our submission to His will.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 23 July 2025: Today, reflect on how God may be guiding your life through ordinary circumstances. What detours, delays, or mundane tasks might actually be divine appointments? Walk faithfully in the small things, trusting that God is at work in ways you cannot yet see. At the same time, ask God to cultivate in you a heart that listens to His Word and remains humble—not just at the beginning of your calling, but throughout your journey.
Pray: “Lord, thank You for being sovereign over even the ordinary details of my life. Help me not to despise small things or overlook Your providence at work. Give me a heart that seeks You, ears that listen to Your Word, and a character that remains humble and faithful, even when entrusted with more. Teach me to see beyond appearances and to walk by faith, not by sight. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 