SALT WATER

CLEAN WATER

LIVING WATER

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP 1 SAMUEL 9

Welcome back, Dr. Ryan here. Today we're going to be taking a closer look at a fascinating story in 1st Samuel chapter 9, a story that begins with a simple search for some lost donkeys and ends with the anointing of Israel's first king.

In 1st Samuel 9, we're going to meet Saul, a young man from a humble background who embarks on what seems like an ordinary errand. Little does he know that this journey will lead him to his destiny as the leader of a nation.

What can we learn from Saul's unexpected path to leadership? Maybe you feel this way, that your path was unexpected. How does God's guidance, humility, and the importance of preparation play a role in shaping effective leaders?

In today's episode, we're going to explore how Saul's story offers insights for anyone who finds themselves in a leadership role or those who are aspiring to one. Whether you're guiding a team, a project, or simply striving to lead yourself more effectively, there's going to be some valuable lessons here today.

Let's dive in and look at what I'm calling the unlikely journey to leadership.

1st Samuel 9 introduces us to Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin who's on an ordinary mission to find his father's lost donkeys. It doesn't seem super profound. This chapter sets the stage for Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel, despite his humble beginnings and unassuming nature.

The narrative provides several lessons, particularly on divine guidance and humility, and how this prepares us for influencing others. Saul's journey begins with a simple task: finding his father's lost donkeys. However, what seems like a mundane chore is actually a divinely orchestrated event leading him to his destiny.

Throughout this chapter, it becomes clear that God is guiding Saul's steps, from the seemingly coincidental encounter with Samuel to the precise timing of events. Every detail points to God's hand in Saul's life and in ours. This highlights the importance of recognizing when God is at work, even through ordinary things.

We often find ourselves on unexpected paths, encountering unforeseen challenges or opportunities, just as Saul's search for donkeys led him to his greater purpose. Leaders today must remain open to the idea that their current tasks, no matter how ordinary, may be part of a larger plan. Trusting that God is guiding us and being attentive to the signs and opportunities that present themselves along the way, even when the end goal is not immediately apparent.

The need for humility is another key point. Saul is described as handsome and tall, physically impressive, standing out among his peers. Yet, when Samuel tells him that he'll be the leader of Israel, his reaction is one of humility and even disbelief. He questions why such an honor would be bestowed upon him. This is interesting because it's a far departure from what happens to him later on. Given that he's from the smallest tribe and the least significant clan in Israel, his initial humility is what God's hand of favor was upon.

True leaders do not seek power or position for its own sake but are often surprised by the call to leadership. This humility allows them to remain grounded and connected to those they lead. It reminds them that leadership is not about personal glory but about serving others. So many times, this simple, critical lesson gets discarded later on.

His modesty at the beginning of his journey is a model for us in the roles we find ourselves in, rather than developing an attitude of entitlement.

Preparation for leadership is another essential aspect. Before Saul is publicly anointed as king, Samuel invites him to a private meal and shares with him the word of God concerning his future role. This private encounter is crucial to preparing Saul for the responsibilities that lie ahead. It's a time of personal instruction and spiritual preparation.

This part of the story underscores the importance of preparing for leadership. Being chosen for a leadership role is just the beginning. Effective leadership requires ongoing learning and preparation. Leaders must seek wisdom, guidance, and mentorship, as Saul did with Samuel. This preparation helps us understand our responsibilities and equips us to fulfill our roles effectively.

This brings us to the end of today's episode. We've explored the remarkable story of Saul's journey from a simple task to a destiny that he never expected. Uncovering these lessons will help us along the way, from the importance of recognizing God's guidance in our lives through simple tasks, the humility required to lead others, and seeing everything as preparation for putting us in the right moment at the right time.

As you go about your week, remember that leadership often starts in the most unexpected places, and sometimes what seems like a small task could be the first step toward a greater purpose. Stay open to God around you, lead with humility, and never stop preparing yourself for the challenges that lie ahead.

If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel. This helps us reach more people. We're up over 45,000 downloads now. We never expected that these simple teachings would help people to the degree that they have, but if you could recommend and share, that helps us get the word out to a few more people.

You can stay connected with us by visiting our website at www.ocnwtr.com for more resources and content. As always, until next time, I hope you have a beautiful day.