May 20, 2024 – 1 Samuel 10:17-27

May 20, 2024 – 1 Samuel 10:17-27

17 Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. 18 And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ 19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.”

20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. 22 So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23 Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

25 Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home. 26 Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.

God calls his people together and lets them know that he has heard their request for an earthly king. I love how Samuel wrote the rights and duties of the king in a book and laid it up before the Lord. I am reminded of the Bible and how this amazing book serves as our life manual as we grow in our relationship with God. Psalm 119:11 reminds us: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”, Find time today to study and hide the word of God in your heart.

Heavenly Father, Your Word is so precious, and You are so  full of love and grace.  Forgive me when I am not using my time well.  Forgive me when I get distracted from what You have for me to do.  The enemy loves to get me off on other things, but I know that You are the most important thing for me to be thinking on.  Help me to keep my focus on Your will and what You have for me to do.  Forgive me the many times I fail You.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen

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