WEDNESDAY
This week we are coming off of our serve Sunday food pack event. Since the devotionals are usually themed towards the sermon from Sunday, we are going to tie the two themes of service and the presence of God together this week. Let’s look at a few biblical characters who were divinely empowered to accomplish their missions that God calls them to.
The big idea is simple—to serve God and others we need to be familiar with the presence of God.
One of the more fascinating stories of the Spirit of God equipping someone for service is the story of Saul. The people of Israel have asked for a king and, although this isn’t what God wants for his people, he still gives them a king. God reveals to the prophet, Samuel that Saul is to be the first king of Israel. In his conversation with Saul, Samuel tells him:
1 Samuel 10:6–7 6 The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 7 Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.
Then a couple of verses later we read:
1 Samuel 10:9–10 9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. 10 When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.
Although Saul later loses the anointing of the Spirit, here God elevates him from a relatively low status to becoming the king of Israel by his divine empowerment.