Not-So-Quiet-Time: 1 Samuel 10-11

At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 6/21

Day 1: 1 Samuel 10:1-8
When Samuel anointed Saul as the future king of Israel, he shared many amazing things that would soon happen. God confirmed Saul as the new ruler through amazing signs. However, it is also important to see that God still took full ownership of his people. Samuel told Saul, “The Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage” (1). Israel still belonged to the Lord as his heritage. God is the owner and ruler of all things. And we should live our lives understanding that we are taking care of what belongs to Him. Ask God to help you live as his servant today. 

Day 2: 1 Samuel 10:9-16
Saul had an amazing experience through the power of God. He was given a new heart and God’s Spirit rushed upon Him. However, he did not come home boasting about his experiences. He waited for Samuel to tell about what God had done. When God works in our lives, it is good to share. But we must be careful not to boast or act pridefully about God’s grace toward us. Ask God to help you to act humbly, rather than pridefully, as a result of his kindness toward you. 

Day 3: 1 Samuel 10:17-27
While yesterday’s reading shows that Saul could act humbly and wisely at times, today’s reading shows the first hint of his lifelong struggle with fear. God again supernaturally affirmed Saul through the casting of lots, but when it was his time to step forward, he hid in the baggage. We can also struggle to take on the responsibilities that God gives to us. But God will give us strength to obey his call. Ask Him to strengthen your obedience today. 

Day 4: 1 Samuel 11:1-11
God gave Saul victory against Israel’s enemies. Saul responded rightly to the situation, but it was “the dread of the Lord” that fell on the people so that they fought. God gave the victory. Still today, we must respond obediently to God’s command and call. And we must remember that He is the One who wins the battle. He gets the credit. He gets the praise. Pray of a prayer of praise today. List many of God’s great works in your life.

Day 5: 1 Samuel 11:12-15
Saul was installed as king of Israel. This caused Saul and all the men of Israel to rejoice greatly. But the people still were acknowledging their true King. Note that Saul was giving God credit: “today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel” (13). And notice that the people sacrificed to worship the Lord. While God has many great servants in this world, He is the only true Hero. While there are many good examples to follow, there is only one Lord. Ask God to help you honor Him more fully with a life lived for his glory. 

Catechism Connection: 103
When we ask God, “May your will be done in earth as it
is in heaven,” we are asking Him to work in the world and in us. We ask “that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven” (WSC 103). We must know Him better to follow Him more closely. And we need his help to submit to Him as our true Lord and King.

Monthly Memory: 1 John 4:11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.