At the request of the people of Israel, God commanded Prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king in Israel but unfortunately, he disobeyed God, which led to his rejection. His leadership style left Israel worse than in the period they had no king.
Today's lesson focuses on God's command to Samuel to anoint David as the second king in Israel.
The Prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the king of Israel when the people requested a king at the command of God. In spite of Saul's disobedience to God's command and his rejection, Samuel continued to mourn for him until God commanded him to go to Jesse of Bethlehem and anoint one of his sons as the next king of Israel.
• Why did Samuel continue to mourn for Saul even when he knew that disobedience led to his rejection?
• What are the benefits of seeking more clarifications and direction from God in any assignment He commits into our hands?
Samuel would have been surprised that none of the eleven sons was indicated by God, especially when he was convinced that he was acting according to God's instruction. It is worthy of note that as soon as Samuel anointed David, the Spirit of God rested on him as a means of empowering him for service.
• Discuss the ways we can identify God’s choice in our churches to avoid making the mistake of choosing wrong persons to leadership positions?
• What are the lessons churches should learn from in the way David was selected and anointed as king in Israel?
• The rejection of Saul should serve as a warning to Christians that no one is indispensable in the sight of God.
• We should be ready to obey God and work according to His instructions as we walk with Him..
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart”. 1 Samuel 16:7.
