1. Text summary
2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application
3. Application
Saul led to Samuel - Chapter 9
1. Saul is the tall and handsome son of a rich Benjamite. He loses his donkeys and Saul searches for them and comes across Samuel. God told Samuel to anoint him king. The people wait on Samuel, and Samuel visibly favors Saul.
2. God goes out of His way to make sure His people magnify and exalt His Son, the King, Jesus.
3. We should esteem and honor social leaders, helping them to do well.
Saul anointed and inaugurated - Chapter 10
1. Samuel anoints Saul and prophesies specifically about his coming hours, as a sign confirming this is from God. They all happen. Saul doesn't tell his family about it. Samuel gathers Israel and brings Saul forward publicly, installing him as king. But some are skeptical Saul will be capable.
2. Jesus performed miraculous signs to show He was anointed by God. He kept it secret for a time that He was the Messiah (anointed). Many are skeptical that He can lead them today.
3. God does miracles mainly to prove His accompanying message or act is genuine, not first for our convenience or well-being.
Saul's Victory - Chapter 11
1. Saul calls Israel together for battle against the Ammonites, who threaten an Israelite town. He wins, the doubters are almost killed, Saul shows them mercy, and Samuel leads the nation to worship God.
2. Jesus as our king rallies, equips, and sends us to fight, giving us the victory. He shows mercy on doubting Thomases, too. And Jesus leads us to worship God.
3. When your leaders call you to action, respond.
Be kind to those who waver in the faith.
Make sure to give God the credit, when things go well.
Samuel's Sermon - Chapter 12
1. Samuel says farewell publicly, exhorting Israel to fear God, convicting them (with literal thunder!) that they sinned to ask for a king. Israel repents, and Samuel says all is not lost - just obey God.
2. Jesus resists when Israel wants to make him king.
3. Repent completely when you realize you have done wrong.
Keep clear accounts with people, as Samuel asked if he had wronged anyone.
Saul Rejected - Chapter 13
1. The Philistines attack again, in response to Jonathan winning a skirmish. Saul offers the sacrifice himself, out of fear, instead of waiting for Samuel. God declares He will find a more faithful king. The Philistines raid and oppress Israel.
2. Jesus the King obeys God fully. He is the Man after God's own heart!
3. Don't act hastily out of fear, as Saul did.
Jonathan and Jesus - Chapter 14
1. The same pattern happens: Jonathan initiates a small victory; Saul is unfaithful (turns away from God's guidance when things get hot - a rash oath that is too hard on the army - blaming them for what he caused - not seeking God's guidance - being willing to kill Jonathan when he should have known it was his fault). God gives Israel victory in spite of Saul's poor leadership.
2. Jesus is like Jonathan: willing to break extra-biblical and hurtful rules of leaders (plucking grain in the field on the Sabbath, e.g.). The unfaithful leaders seek to kill both Jesus and Jonathan for it. Jonathan is spared by the people, but Jesus is not.
3. Application
a. There are times it is faithful to go against harmful, minor rules from the political leader.
b. God is often kind to give prosperity and/or victory, when the nation or its leaders are turning away from Him. This is especially true of America right now.
c. Keep seeking God's guidance, especially when things get urgent.
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