The King Who Couldn’t

February 12, 2019

DAILY READING

1 Samuel 9:15-10:1
This weekend’s reading: Revelation 3:7-13

FIELD NOTES
In today’s reading, the prophet Samuel is sent to anoint Saul to be the first king of Israel. Listen to Saul’s response when Samuel tells him that he has been chosen by God to be king, “But I am only a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel, and my family is the humblest of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin. Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” (v. 9:21).

Saul suffered from a sense of inferiority and lack of self-confidence. He was so focused on his feelings of unworthiness that he was unable to trust God and receive God’s power to rule effectively. Sadly, his reign was fraught with conflict and cut short by disobedience. God had chosen him but Saul failed to be the king God knew he could be.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

• Can you remember a time in your life when you sensed God choosing you for a task but you felt unequal to its demands and you let it pass you by?
• What are some ways we can cultivate trust in God?

FAMILY FIELD TALK
Do you ever feel like you can’t do something that your parents or your teacher asks you to do? What can you do when you feel this way? Remember that you can always ask God to help you.

PRAYER
Lord, remind us that when we are faced with a task too big for us, that you will give us strength and courage. Amen.