April 10 – 1 Samuel 9-12

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 1 Samuel 9-12. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word.

 

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Something happens in our reading today that makes me thankful I am living in the Christian age where Christ is King. We witness the first king of Israel becoming king. As he does so, the Holy Spirit descends on him … “Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy.” 1 Samuel 10:10b NLT. The Holy Spirit came upon Saul and empowered him as king and ruler. But here’s the thing, this was not an all encompassing outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

As we read through the story of the Old Testament we see the Holy Spirit descending on various people over and over again. We saw it with several of the judges. We will soon see it with David. But here’s the thing, it’s not made available to all people, and it is not a permanent gift. For some it was given to accomplish what they were tasked to do. To others it is taken away … we will soon see this with Saul.

Here is what I love … in Christ, when we believe, when we confess, when we meet him in baptism all Christians are given the gift of the Holy Spirit … see Acts 2:36-38. It’s not just special people, it’s not just kings, and it’s not just delivers, its for all Christians. Like the judges, like Saul, like David I have the power of God living in me. For that I am grateful.

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