Saul's Lessons

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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The lesson for Saul was “God is with thee” (1 Sam. 10:77And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. (1 Samuel 10:7)). What king ever had so favorable a commencement to his career? The Holy Spirit, not dwelling within him but coming upon him as in the case of the soothsayer Balaam (Num. 24:22And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. (Numbers 24:2)), was ever available for his help could he have appreciated it. Alas, for the hopelessness of flesh! Every divine provision is in vain. “Ye must be born anew” (John 3:77Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7) JND).
Saul's present journey finished at Gilgal, the place of Israel's first encampment, when the sharp knives of circumcision were freely used (Joshua 5). This is the lesson of self-mortification, and no one can render any service to God, be it Saul or any other, who has left unlearned this great elementary lesson. Let Colossians 3 be carefully and prayerfully read, and let us humbly ask ourselves before God how far we have trained ourselves to carry out its solemn instructions.
Saul was still to be dependent upon Samuel; thus he was instructed to wait at Gilgal seven days, until the man of God arrived, when burnt offerings and peace offerings should be duly offered. Waiting times are a sore test for restless flesh. Two years later, a similar waiting time was the undoing of Saul (1 Sam. 13:1212Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. (1 Samuel 13:12)). Patience! Patience! Patience! Everywhere this is pressed in the New Testament as the most necessary of lessons for souls who would walk with God, and serve Him here below (Rom. 5:33And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (Romans 5:3); James 1:33Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:3); 2 Cor. 12:1212Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. (2 Corinthians 12:12); 2 Cor. 6:4; 24But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, (2 Corinthians 6:4) Tim 4:10).