Year: 2023

25/07/2023

引言：

在这章经文，扫罗显露了他灵性的软弱，他信靠的是人力马力，不是倚靠耶和华。

一、 心生恐惧 更要靠神（V1-7）

以色列人原本做好争战的准备，但是当他们看到非利士人的士兵多如海边的沙，以色列百姓感受到自己的危急，就开始恐惧了起来，他们赶快躲藏在山洞、丛林、石穴、隐密处和坑中。

在我们的生活中，也会时不时出现这样的景况，就像以色列百姓遇到的危急处境，威胁着我们的生命、财产或是所珍爱的一切。这时我们要做的是，不要被这种恐惧无力的感觉抓住，或是一直凭过去的经验与习惯，我们要选择来到主面前，更多信靠祂！因为‘信心’的反义词就是‘恐惧’！

二、遵神吩咐 就不糊涂（V8-15）

扫罗等不及撒母耳来献祭，便以王的身分献祭。扫罗的失败乃是因为不顺从神，害怕会失去军心，就按着自己的判断作了糊涂事，而没有遵守神的吩咐。而且，当面对撒母耳的责问，他对自己所犯的过错非但没有悔改之心，还把自己的糊涂辩解得合情合理。这就像士师时代的光景，不以耶和华为王，不遵守耶和华的命令，任意而行。所以扫罗的王位必不长久，将被取代。

看到扫罗的失败，我们当警醒不要再按自己的心意作糊涂事。当被指出做错事违背神的旨意时，应该向神、向人认罪悔改，神就必与我们同在。唯有遵守神的命令，才是合神心意的人。

三、最好的武器-倚靠神（V16-23）

现在我们看到神允许非利士人在人数上、武器上，拥有远超以色列人的优势，是要让以色列人明白要赢得战争，最好的武器就是倚靠神！

你一生中拥有最大的武器是什么？是金钱财富？聪明智慧？…还是也像以色列人一样，手里没有任何的武器？

撒上17:47‘耶和华使人得胜不是用刀用枪，因为争战的胜败全在乎耶和华。’因此，倚靠神就是最好的武器，因为拥有神就是拥有一切！只要专心爱神，遵守神的旨意，神就必成全超乎我们所求所想的事！

总结：

当扫罗在危急处境时，惧怕使他没有遵守神的吩咐，而作了糊涂的决定。当我们处在危急的环境时，我们是否仍然相信神，仍然可以选择遵守神的话语？

不是倚靠势力，不是倚靠才能，乃是倚靠神的灵方能成事。

1 Samuel 13 Relying on God to Face Crisis Situations
GK611 Morning Devotion

25/7/2023

The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Daniel Kew

Introduction：

In this chapter, Saul revealed his spiritual weakness. He relied on human strength, not on Jehovah.

1. Fear arises in the heart, rely more on God (V1-7)

The Israelites were ready to fight, but when they saw that the Philistine soldiers were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, the Israelites felt their danger, and they began to be afraid. They hurriedly hid in caves, jungles, rocky caves, secret places and pits.

From time to time in our lives, situations such as the Israelites encountered critical situations that threatened our lives, property, or everything we hold dear. What we have to do at this time is not to be caught by this feeling of fear and powerlessness, or to rely on past experiences and habits. We must choose to come before the Lord and trust Him more! Because the opposite of ‘faith’’ is ‘fear’!

2. Follow God’s command and not be confused (V8-15)

Saul could not wait until Samuel came to offer the sacrifice, so he offered the sacrifice as king. Saul’s failure was because he disobeyed God, fearing that he would lose the morale of the army, so he acted foolishly according to his own judgment, instead of obeying God’s command. Moreover, when confronted with Samuel’s questioning, he not only did not repent of his mistakes, but even justified his ignorance. This is like the situation in the age of the judges, who did not regard Jehovah as king, did not obey Jehovah’s commands, and acted as they pleased. So Saul’s throne will not last long and will be replaced.

Seeing Saul’s failure, we should be vigilant not to act foolishly according to our own will. When it is pointed out that we have done wrong things against God’s will, we should confess our sins to God and others, and God will be with us. Only those who obey God’s commands are those who are after God’s heart.

3. The best weapon – rely on God (V16-23)

Now we see that God allowed the Philistines to have a far superiority over the Israelites in terms of numbers and weapons, in order to let the Israelites understand that to win the war, the best weapon is to rely on God!

What is the greatest weapon you have? Is it money? Wisdom? …or, like the Israelites, without any weapons?

1 Samuel 17:47 “the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s,” Therefore, relying on God is the best weapon, because to have God is to have everything! As long as we love God wholeheartedly and obey God’s will, God will accomplish things beyond what we ask and think!

Conclusion：

When Saul was in a critical situation, his fear caused him to disobey God’s command and make an unwise decision. Do we still trust God and still have the option to obey God’s Word when we are in a crisis situation?

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

21/07/2023

引言：谁是我们的王？

一、忠心事奉的好见证 (V1-5)

撒母耳正式将带领百姓的责任移交给以色列第一任的王扫罗，在此他也为自己过去的事奉作了一个总结。透过以色列众人承认他的手洁心清，和有神为证，证明他是一位敬虔忠心事奉神的人。这提醒我们，是否也经得起别人对我们事奉的评价? 神怎样见证我们的事奉呢?

二、申明拯救是出于神(V6-11)

这段经文申明，每当以色列百姓在困境中呼求神时，神就垂听，并立刻差遣拯救者临到他们中间，因此当他们被列国列邦欺压时，一直拯救他们的都是神，神才是真正使他们安然居住的王。

三、耶和华才是你们的王 (V12-19)

1.人选的王是神所立 (V12-15)

撒母耳要以色列百姓明白，他们所求所选的王，是神所立的。所以，地上的王与所有百姓一样都要顺从神，接受神的管理。今天无论我们是在什么位置，要记得我们都是在神的管理之下。

2.要求立王是犯大罪 (V16-19)

撒母耳再一次要让百姓清楚，他们立王是大大得罪神，所以向神求一个‘打雷降雨’的神迹。因为在割麦子的时候，打雷降雨是很少见的。神以征兆证实撒母耳之言，百姓不要神作他们的王是犯了大罪。
我们要以神为我们的王，跟随真正的王！不要跟随世界的价值观。

四、全心敬畏尽心事奉 (V20-24)

神虽然被祂的百姓撇弃，但神因祂的大名和拣选，仍不撇弃祂的子民。所以撒母耳教导百姓如何回转回应神﹕
1.不偏离神就不撇弃 (V20-22)
2.受教行善道走正路 (V23)
3.敬畏神尽心事奉神 (V24a)
4.想念神所行的大事 (V24b)

今天我们也要按以上4点教导来跟从和事奉神，时时数算神的作为。当人忘记神的恩典时，就很容易离开神。我们要认清我们要事奉的是耶和华！

总结：若仍作恶，你们和你们的王必一同灭亡(V25)

撒母耳向以色列人说明，若仍作恶-不尊神为王，他们和他们的王必一同灭亡！要知道耶和华才是他们真正的王！并劝勉以百姓要敬畏事奉神。

今天神对我们也一样，我们若有软弱失败，神不会撇弃我们。只要我们认定神是我们生命的王，全心敬畏尽心事奉祂，必会如扫罗蒙拣选！被提升！

1 Samuel 12 Fear and Serve the True King
GK611 Morning Devotion
21/7/2023
The Morning Devotion Speakers: Ps. Daniel Kew

Introduction: Who Is Our King?

1. A Good Testimony of Faithful Service (V1-5)

Samuel officially handed over the responsibility of leading the people to Saul, the first king of Israel. Here he also made a summary of his past ministry. Through the recognition of his clean hands and pure heart by all the people in Israel, and the testimony of God, it proves that he is a man who serves God devoutly and faithfully. This reminds us, whether we can also stand up to others’ appraisal of our service. How does God testify of our service?

2. Affirm that salvation is from God (V6-11)

This scripture states that whenever the people of Israel call on God in distress, God will hear and immediately send a saviour to their midst. He is the King who really makes them dwell in peace.

3. Jehovah is your King (V12-19)

(1) The king chosen by man is appointed by God (V12-15)

Samuel wanted the people of Israel to understand that the king they asked for was appointed by God. Therefore, the kings of the earth like all men must obey God and accept God’s control. No matter where we are today, we must remember that we are all under God’s control.

(2) Demanding a king is a great sin (V16-19)

Once again, Samuel wanted to let the people know that their establishment of a king was a great offence to God, so he asked God for a miracle of “thunder and rain”. Because when the wheat is harvested, thunder and rain are rare. God used signs to confirm Samuel’s words, and the people committed a great sin by not wanting God to be their king.

We must take God as our king and follow the real king! Don’t follow the world’s values.

4. Serve with reverence and dedication wholeheartedly (V20-24)

Although God has been abandoned by His people, and for the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people. So, Samuel taught the people how to respond to God:

(1) Not be forsaken if do not deviate from God (V20-22)
(2) Teachable, do good deeds and follow the right path (V23)
(3) Fear God and serve God wholeheartedly (V24a)
(4) Remember the great things God has done (V24b)

Today we must also follow and serve God according to the above 4 points, and count God’s deeds at all times. When people forget about God’s grace, it is easy to leave God. We must recognise that what we want to serve is Jehovah God!

Conclusion: If you continue to do evil, you and your king will perish together (V25)

Samuel explained to the Israelites that if they continued to do evil – not honouring God as king, they and their king would perish together! Know that Jehovah is their real king! He also exhorted the people to fear and serve God.

God treats us the same today. If we are weak and fail, God will not abandon us. As long as we believe that God is the King of our lives, and serve Him with reverence wholeheartedly and with dedication, we will surely be chosen like Saul! Be promoted!

20/07/2023

引言：回收矿泉水瓶子

一、把握时机来扭转危机（v1-4）

自从耶弗他击败亚扪人以后，他们已经相当长的时间没有再攻击以色列人了。但是这时候，亚扪人突然对着基列雅比安营，且向以色列人挑战，很明显是出于神的手。让以色列百姓和扫罗王面对这场大危机，并从中学习功课。让我们也从他们的回应来检视自己，在面对危机的时候，我们所选择的回应会是什么？

1.不逃避认命（v1-3）

首先，我们看到基列雅比人在面对危机时的第一个反应就是投降，要和仇敌立约并作他们的仆人。
弟兄姐妹，我们是否也和基列雅比人一样？遇到危机时，连尝试都没有就选择逃避、投降认命？如果是这样，在危机永远看到任何转机。

2.要专注于神（v4）

当雅比人将仇敌的恐吓告诉众百姓的时候，众人都放声而哭。百姓为什么哭呢？因为心中没有神。不但忘记了神如何带领他们出埃及、过红海、入迦南。连刚刚不久前，带领他们打败了非利士人的以便以谢，他们都忘记了。他们看到的是敌人，他们看到的是问题非常的大。但神却不在他们心中。惧怕、绝望笼罩着他们的心，使他们哀哭。在危机出现时，要专注于神。

二、勇敢应战危机变契机（v5-11）

1.圣灵充满勇敢应战（v5-7）

扫罗从田间回来，查明以色列哀哭的原因，他立刻被神的灵大大感动，并且因着拿辖的嚣张和欺人太甚而发起神的义怒。原本胆怯的扫罗，竟然拿起神所赐的权柄，勇敢呼吁全以色列百姓起来争战。

所以，弟兄姐妹，不管是属灵的争战，还是我们的事奉中，有圣灵的充满是何等的重要。当神的灵感动我们去做一些事，纵使我们觉得很有挑战，我们要勇敢的把握机会，突破我们的生命。

此外，我们知道三百年前，因为基比亚人作恶导致，那位利未人将妾的尸身切成十二块，煽动全以色列来攻打基比亚。今天神让扫罗用相似的方法把牛切成块状送到以色列的全境，号召全以色列出来抵抗外敌，保护同胞，目的也是要为基比亚之前的丑事雪耻。也就是要他们从跌倒的地方爬起来。

弟兄姐妹，你在什么地方跌倒过吗？觉得很羞耻，不敢面对自己？神要你勇敢的靠着祂得胜、得医治。

2.如同一人大获全胜（v8-11）

因为有神赐下的策略谋略，有圣灵的同在，再加上全以色列同心合一如同一人来应战，我们看到整场战役是轻而易举的就大获全胜。

三、轻看伤害王者有风范（v12-15）

1.超越伤害（v12-13）

当扫罗打胜仗后，一些人就建议要把那些曾经看不起扫罗的人杀死。

有几样提醒：
1）不要看到那里情况好就奉承
2）受伤时，仇敌会透过很多方式要我们报仇。不要被诱惑以致做出以牙还牙的事。
3）我们要超越伤害。看懂神在我们或他人身上要做的事。

2.被立为王（v14-15）

扫罗带领以色列打赢了亚扪人，并且又有宽大的度量。所以撒母耳就带他到了吉甲立国。并在耶和华和众百姓面前，正式的立扫罗为王。

总结：时势造英雄

没有危机、没有逆境，就不会有英雄。当危难或危机临到我们的时候，都是神要提升我们生命素质，扩张我们生命的影响力的时刻。让我们都学习更懂神的心。把握时机勇敢的应战。跟上神的节奏，遇到就往前走，虽然内心有恐惧，但是当我勇敢回应时，硬着头皮，把握时机趁时而做，神就要大大使用我们来大大彰显祂的荣耀。

1 Samuel 11: Seize the Moment to Courageously Respond
GK611 Morning Devotion
20/7/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Deborah

Introduction: Recycling Mineral Water Bottles

1. Seize the moment to reverse the crisis (v1-4)

Since Jephthah’s defeat of the Ammonites, they had not attacked Israel for quite some time. But at this time, it was clearly by the hand of God that the Ammonites suddenly camped against Gilead Jabesh and challenged the Israelites. Let the people of Israel and King Saul face this great crisis and learn a lesson from it. Let us also examine ourselves in the light of their response. What would be our chosen response in the face of a crisis?

(1) Not running away and surrender ourselves to our fate (v1-3)

First of all, we see that the first response of the Gileadites when faced with a crisis was to surrender, to make a covenant with their enemies and to be their servants.
Brothers and sisters, are we also like the Gileadites? When faced with a crisis, do we choose to run away and surrender to our fate without even trying? If so, we will never see any turnaround in a crisis.

(2) Focus on God (v4)

When the Jabezites told the people about the enemy’s threats, all the people let out their voices and wept. Why did the people cry? Because there was no God in their hearts. Not only had they forgotten how God had led them out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and into Canaan. They had even forgotten about Ebenezer, who had led them to defeat the Philistines just a short time before. They saw the enemy, and they saw that the problem was very big. But God was not in their hearts. Fear and despair gripped their hearts and caused them to weep. Focus on God when a crisis arises.

2. Courageously fight and crisis turns into opportunity (v5-11)

(1) Spirit-filled courage and courageously fight (v5-7)

When Saul returned from the field and found out the reason for Israel’s weeping, he was immediately touched by the Spirit of God and initiated God’s righteous anger because of Nahash’s arrogance and bullying. Saul, who was originally timid, took up the authority given by God and courageously called upon all the people of Israel to rise up and fight.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, whether it is spiritual warfare or our ministry, how important it is to have the filling of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit of God moves us to do something, even though we find it challenging, we have to be courageous to seize the opportunity to break through in our lives.

In addition, we know that 300 years ago, because of the evil caused by the Gibeathites, that Levite cut the body of his concubine into twelve pieces and incited all of Israel to come and attack Gibeah. Today, God told Saul to use a similar method to cut the ox into pieces and send it to all the territory of Israel, calling all Israel to come out to resist foreign enemies and protect their compatriots, with the purpose of shedding shame for the previous scandal of Gibeah. That is, to get them up from where they had fallen.

Brothers and sisters, have you ever stumbled in any place ? Feeling ashamed to face yourself? God wants you to boldly rely on Him for victory and healing.

(2) As one man triumphs (v8-11)

Because of God’s strategy, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the unity of all Israel as one man, we see that the entire battle was easily won.

3. Belittle hurts and the king is with demeanour (v12-15)

(2) Looking beyond the hurt (v12-13)

When Saul won the battle, some suggested that those who had looked down on Saul should be killed.

There are a couple of reminders:
1) Don’t flatter when you see that things are going well there.
2) When wounded, the enemy will seek revenge on us in many ways. Don’t be tempted so that you return an eye for an eye.
3) We need to look beyond the hurt. See what God is trying to do in us or in others.

(2) Being made king (v14-15)

Saul led Israel to victory over the Ammonites and was generous again. So Samuel brought him to Gilead to set up his kingdom. And formally made Saul king before God and all the people.

Conclusion: Times make heroes

There can be no heroes without crisis and adversity. When danger or crisis comes to us, it is a time for God to improve the quality of our lives and expand the influence of our lives. Let us all learn to know the heart of God better. Seize the moment to respond courageously. Keep up with God’s rhythm, go forward when you encounter it, and although there is fear in my heart, when I respond courageously, harden my heart, and seize the moment to do it while it’s still possible, God is going to use us greatly to greatly manifest His glory.

19/07/2023

引言：要趁时而作，不要视而不见

趁时而作的原文是指作你手所找到的、手遇见什么，就可以做什么，意思是做该做的。

一、恩膏扫罗：神的兴起与指引 （V1-16）

1. 接受恩膏，领受预言 （V1-8）

当扫罗被恩膏，要进入被拣选的命定时，神不断给他预言和印证。因为神顾念扫罗所担忧的，祂提供扫罗需用的一切。

2. 圣灵感动，得着新心 （V9-13）

当扫罗被神的灵感动，神就赐他一个新心，成为了一个全新的人。他的生命也不再一样，甚至受感说话，宛如升级般的生命。

3. 谦卑顺服，等待时机 （V14-16）

扫罗并没有高调宣扬他受膏的事情，而是选择低调等待神的时机。

小结：

扫罗经历恩膏、圣灵充满、全新生命，被拣选成为新一代的领袖，这是他很好的起步。但很可惜他并没有趁时为神而作，扫罗在作王的初期与先前判若两人。他权力增长时却骄傲起来。后来，他不肯寻求神，神的灵就离开了他，他的能力也烟消云散了。

二、掣签扫罗为新一代的领袖：神的慈爱 （V17-27）

1. 神给人最后的选择 （V17-19）

神在这里仍然让撒母耳提醒以色列民，神曾经如何拯救他们，仍然让百姓选择是否真的要立王来治理他们。

2. 人仍看不见神的爱 （V20-22）

以色列民仍然看不见神是以色列的大君王，而是宁愿立一位从未看见过的人作王，甚至还问神，那人在哪里？

他们没有看见，被神拣选的扫罗也没有看见，反而藏起来。他可以站出来和撒母耳一样劝说他们不要厌弃神而另立新王。但是，他却藏身在军火库，没有趁时而作，没有按照兆头向前行，反而拥抱兵器，拥抱权力。他喜爱王权，不爱听神的话，这就是人性！

3. 人单顾己眼所见的 （V23-24）

他们只看见扫罗比众民高过一头，就大声欢呼说：“愿王万岁！”比人更高的神却没有人看见。

4. 神成就人做的选择 （V25）

神怜悯的爱，最后还是让他们如愿以偿。

5. 领袖面对的百种人 （V26-27）

当领袖被兴起后，有人被跟从，也有人被藐视。扫罗所面对的正是神所感受的，有人跟从神，更是有人藐视神的。很可惜扫罗并没有体会到。

总结：

即便或许只有撒母耳看见神的心意，神仍然怜悯，让以色列人如愿以偿。

这件事情也不断提醒我们，身为蒙拣选的领袖，我们要作我们在我们岗位上能做的，时刻把人带到神的面前，为神趁时而作。

1 Samuel 10 : Living the life of election while do as the occasion demands
GK611 Morning Devotion
19/7/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Co-worker Asher Chang

Introduction: Do as the occasion demands, don’t turn a blind eye to it.

The original meaning of the phrase “do while you have time” is to do what your hand finds, what your hand encounters, meaning to do what needs to be done.

1. Anointing Saul: God’s Rise and Guidance (V1-16)

(1) Receive the anointing and prophecy (V1-8)

When Saul was anointed to enter into the chosen destiny, God continued to give him prophecies and testimonies. Because God was mindful of Saul’s concerns, He provided all that Saul needed.

(2) The Holy Spirit moved him to a new heart (V9-13)

When Saul was touched by the Spirit of God, God gave him a new heart and made him a brand new person. His life was no longer the same, and he was even moved to speak as if his life had been elevated.

(3) Humble and obedient, waiting for the right time (V14-16)

Saul did not proclaim his anointing in a high profile, but chose to keep a low profile and wait for God’s timing.

Summary:

Saul experienced an anointing, a filling of the Holy Spirit, a new life, and was chosen to be the leader of a new generation, which was a good start for him. But unfortunately he did not work for God according to His time Saul was a different man in the early days of his reign. He grew in power but grew in pride. Later, when he refused to seek God, the Spirit of God left him and he lost his power.

2. Signing Saul as the Leader of a New Generation: God’s Love (V17-27)

(1) God gives the people a final choice (V17-19)

God still had Samuel remind the people of Israel of how God had saved them, and still let the people choose whether or not to set up a king to rule over them.

(2) People still cannot see God’s love (V20-22)

The people of Israel still could not see that God was the great King of Israel, but preferred to make a man king who they had never seen before, and even asked God where that man was.

They did not see it, and neither did Saul, who was chosen by God, but hid himself. He could have stood up and persuaded them, as Samuel did, not to forsake God and make a new king. But he hid himself in the armory, and did not act in the time, nor did he follow the signs, but embraced arms and power. He loved kingship, not the Word of God, which is human nature.

(3) Men care only for what they see with their own eyes (V23-24)

They saw Saul was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward, and cried out with joy, “Long live the king!” No one saw that God who is higher than man.

(4) God fulfills the choices made by man (V25)

God’s merciful love, in the end, let them have their way.

(5) Leader Confronts all sorts of people (V26-27)

When leaders are raised up, some are followed and some are despised. Saul was faced with exactly what God felt, there were those who followed God and even more so those who despised Him. Sadly Saul didn’t experience it.

Conclusion:

Even though perhaps only Samuel saw God’s heart, God still had mercy and let the Israelites have what they wanted.

This event is also a constant reminder to us that as chosen leaders, we are to do what we can do in our positions, always bringing people to God, and working for God while the

18/07/2023

引言：塞翁失马，焉知非福！

一、从命定看拣选（9:1-17）

1. 家世背景出于神（V1-2）

基士到底有什么样的身分？
传统译本把基士形容为「大能的勇士」，但新国际本译为「有地位的人」或者是「财主，有钱的人」。再看扫罗「健壮」：「青年人」、「年轻男人」的意思。「身体比众民高过一头」：原文是「他的肩膀以上高过众百姓」。这里描述扫罗的家世不凡，身材、体魄、容貌都很不错。扫罗的外貌和身材正符合当时君王外貌的标准。

我们与生俱来所拥有的一切，都是命中注定。不管好与坏、丑与美，富与穷，都是上天的命定，没有选择。但是未来的人生要怎么活？如何变？这就在乎各人的选择。

2. 有神参与坏变好（V3-17）

从以上的经文可以看到：人生的机遇在于神。扫罗只是做了一件尊荣父亲的事，要找回父亲的几头驴子，却没有想到会有那么多事情发生：遇到撒母耳。在遇到撒母耳之前遇到几位热心少女给扫罗指引道路。

我们时常觉得人生掌握在自己的手里，（所以有了人定胜天这个成语）。然而我们要留下空间让神做事，不要总想让所有的事情按着自己的心思意念和计划来发生。

如果我们的人生观是密封式的，我们就做该做的。然而经文告诉我们，人生是一个开放的局，一切都在神手里，神会带领我们走进命定里，所以不要为眼前的事沮丧，神总是知道事情会怎样发生。这就是一个有神的人生观。我们将自己放在神的手中，走入神的时间，走入神为我们所预备的机遇里。

当遇到问题的时候要学会首先来到神的面前，先找神再找人。
别人给出意见的时候，不要第一时间拒绝，要谦卑查验，因为我们不能确定这话是否有神的心意。

二、从顺服到祝福（9:18-27）

1. 因寻求相信得到指引（V18-20）

神把扫罗带到撒母耳那里，意思是十分明显。“神掌管一切”。
没有任何人安排撒母耳和扫罗见面。神控制着扫罗的动向，并直接向撒母耳启示，说扫罗就是祂选立为王的人。因此，当两人相遇时，撒母耳已认识扫罗，并且知道怎样使扫罗作王。但在这一章的事件中，扫罗对神的计划仍一无所知：撒母耳只是渐渐让他知道，神在他身上有特殊的计划。

你相信神为你在沙漠中开路吗？
你相信你的一生都在神的手中，只要相信他，在盼望中寻求他的显明就得祝福。

20节说明在上帝使用人之前一定会解决人的难处，让人可以毫无顾虑的跟随神，但是必须要先信神他可以。

2. 因谦卑顺服得到荣耀（V21-27）

（V21）扫罗的回答非常谦卑，因为他认识自己的身分。便雅悯是雅各最小的儿子，便雅悯支派曾经因为内战差点灭族，人口稀少，所以扫罗自称是「以色列支派中至小的便雅悯人」。扫罗的家乡是基比亚，基比亚人曾经行恶引发过内战，名声不好，所以扫罗自称是「便雅悯支派中至小的家」。

平安祭的祭肉原为给祭司的（利七32～33）。撒母耳把祭肉留给扫罗，以示尊敬，也表示他就要成为神的受膏者。

古代以色列的建筑，屋顶平坦，可以用来招待客人睡觉，所以撒母耳让扫罗住在房顶上。而「撒母耳和扫罗在房顶上说话」，可能是为了让城里的人都看在眼里，好在众人面前抬举扫罗。

亚当的后裔「肉体之中，没有良善」，扫罗的谦卑，是因为没有骄傲的机会。
人只要还活在肉体里面，一旦有身分、地位、成就就可能会转变，谦卑会变成骄傲，温柔会变成刚硬。因此，我们需要时时接受十字架的光照，及时反省自己。
同时还要顺服掌权者，尊敬他们，关心他们。因为他们的付出也需要我们的回馈。

总结：

扫罗出门是为了寻找他父亲失去的驴子，却在无意中找到了王位。
撒母耳正在为百姓寻找一位合适的王，却找到一个完全不关心政治、被人「藐视」的基比亚人。

这一切后面，都是神的安排，因为神「拣选了世上卑贱的，被人厌恶的，以及那无有的，为要废掉那有的，使一切有血气的，在神面前一个也不能自夸」（林前一：28-29）。

1 Samuel 9 Saul who was blessed due to the donkey
GK611 Morning Devotion
18/7/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Brother Bezalel Tan

Introduction: It is a blessing in disguise though the man lost his mare!

1. Election from the perspective of destiny (9:1-17)

(1) Family background comes from God (V1-2)

What kind of identity does Kish have?
Traditional translations describe Kish as a “mighty warrior”, but the New International Version translates it as “a man of position” or “a rich man, a man of wealth”. Look again at the meaning of Saul’s “strong”: “youth” and “young man”. “His body is higher than all the people by one head”: the original text is “from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people”. Saul’s family background is described here as extraordinary, and his figure, physique, and appearance are very good. Saul’s appearance and stature were in line with the appearance standards of the kings of his day.

Everything we are born with we are meant to be. No matter good or bad, ugly or beautiful, rich or poor, it is the fate of God, there is no choice. But how to live in the future life? How to change? It depends on everyone’s choice.

(2) With God’s involvement, bad becomes good (V3-17)

From the above scriptures, we can see that the opportunities in life are in God. Saul just did one thing to honour his father, and wanted to get back his father’s donkeys, but he didn’t expect so many things to happen: he met Samuel. Before meeting Samuel, he met several helpful girls who showed Saul the way.

We often feel that life is in our own hands (hence the idiom that man can determine their own destiny). However, we need to leave room for God to do things, and don’t always want everything to happen according to our own thoughts and plans.

If our outlook on life is enclosed, we do what needs to be done. However, the scriptures tell us that life is an open situation, everything is in the hands of God, and God will lead us into our destiny, so don’t be depressed about the things in front of us, God always knows how things will happen. This is a godly outlook on life. We put ourselves in God’s hands, enter God’s time, and step into the opportunities God has prepared for us.

When you encounter problems, you must learn to come before God first, and find God before man.
When others give opinions, don’t reject them immediately, but humbly examine them, because we can’t be sure whether these Words have God’s will.

2. From obedience to blessing (9:18-27)

(1) Be guided through believe in seeking (V18-20)

The meaning of God taking Saul to Samuel is very obvious. “God is in control”.
No one arranged for Samuel and Saul to meet. God controlled Saul’s movements and directly revealed to Samuel that Saul was the one He had chosen to be king. So, when the two met, Samuel already knew Saul and knew how to make Saul king. But in the events of this chapter, Saul remains ignorant of God’s plan: Samuel only gradually lets him know that God has a special plan for him.

Do you believe that God made a way for you in the desert?
You believe that your whole life is in the hands of God, as long as you believe in Him and seek His indication, you will be blessed.

Verse 20 states that before God uses man, he will definitely solve man’s difficulties, so that man can follow God without any worries, but he must first believe that God can do it.

(2.) Glory through humbleness and obedience (V21-27)

(V21) Saul’s answer was very humble, because he knew his identity. Benjamin is the youngest son of Jacob. The tribe of Benjamin was almost wiped out due to civil war, and the population was sparse. So, Saul claimed to be “the smallest of the tribes of Israel”. Saul’s hometown was Gibeah. The people of Gibeah had done evil and caused civil wars, so they had a bad reputation, so Saul called himself “the smallest of the tribes of Israel”.

The sacrificial meat of the peace offering was originally given to priests (Leviticus 7:32-33). Samuel gave the sacrificial meat to Saul as a sign of respect and that he was about to become God’s anointed one.
The buildings in ancient Israel had flat roofs, which could be used to entertain guests and sleep, so Samuel let Saul live on the roof. And “Samuel spoke with Saul on the top of the house” may be to make the people in the city see it, so as to raise Saul in front of everyone.

The descendants of Adam “that in me nothing good dwells;”, and Saul’s humbleness is because there is no opportunity for pride.
As long as people still live in the flesh, once they have identity, status, and achievements, they may change. Humbleness will become pride, and gentleness will become hardness. Therefore, we need to always accept the illumination of the cross and reflect on ourselves in time.
At the same time, obey those in power, respect them, and care for them. Because they need our response for their efforts.

Conclusion：

Saul went out in search of his father’s lost donkey and unintentionally found the throne.
Samuel was looking for a suitable king for his people but found a completely apolitical and “despised” Gibeathite.

Behind all this is God’s arrangement, for “the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29).