[One-Verse Meditation]

1 Samuel 10:9 (NIV) “As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.”

[Meditation]

Following God’s command, Samuel anoints Saul, proclaiming him leader of Israel. He then prophesies signs that will serve as proof, culminating in the promise, “The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power… and you will be changed into a different person.”

This “new person” does not simply refer to a change in status from a farmer to a king. Rather, a new person is one upon whom the Spirit of God has come. It refers to a person with whom He dwells. Therefore, the new clothes of a new person that Saul wore were not of his own wanting, nor of his own ability and zeal. The result of God’s work was the new person.

In the very moment that Saul, having received the promise, turns to walk away, God gives him a “new heart” just as promised—to Saul, who was trapped in yesterday’s ‘God-less humility.’ (Of course, this coming of the Spirit is temporary, as this is before the Pentecostal descent of the Spirit). In this way, God enables Saul to fulfill his responsibilities as king. Nevertheless, Saul fails. He does not desire to live with the new heart God has given him. Thus he becomes a figure of disobedience. What a tragedy.

Saul’s story poses important questions to us today. ‘To whom do we attribute the origin of our new being? Do we desire to live with that new heart? And are we enjoying a life with God?’ The answer to these questions always manifests in the act of kneeling before the Lord in worship. This, too, is the work of the Lord.

[Prayer]

Lord, the new heart You created in me leads me to You. When I see the world with that new heart in You, the sky, the mountains, and the people are all new. Let me live this day not by my own will, but as the new person being shaped by Your power. Amen.
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[Daily Meditation]

1 Samuel 9:22-10:9