The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power

1 Samuel 10:1-25

Key Verse 10:6

    “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” 

Good morning? How are you? I felt that the Holy Spirit was coming down on me when our choir members sang a special song. Today’s message is continuation of chapter 9. In chapter 9, the last part of chapter 9, Samuel asked Saul to stay with him so that Samuel might deliver “the message from God”. So in today’s message, the first part, verses 1-8 is ‘the message from God’ for Saul. The title for today’s message is ‘The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power.” The key verse comes from verse 6. May we read this verse together. “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” Let’s pray.

Last week Obama had an inarguration ceremony with two bibles. One Bible is the bible was used by Abraham Lincoln, and the other Bible is Martin Luther King Jr’s. Suppose God comes to you today and says to you, “I want you to be the leader of Unites of States”, meaning president, what would you say? You probably start with ‘no way’. The first question you probably have is ‘Me? No way. I am not even a leader in my family. What are you talking about?” The second question you may ask is ‘If that is the case, I want to make sure that it is really you, God, who is asking me to do this. I want to have some kind of signs or miracles that can confirm that is God who is asking me to do this. The third question probably is ‘If that is the case I want you to help me. Because I do not know how to run the country. I don’t have any knowledge about politics. I don’t know how to lead cabinet meetings or armies or solve domestic conflict or foreign polices. So I want to make sure that you help me to be successful in my battles and in my troubles. The first question ‘What are you talking about? No way, I am not” was already asked by Saul in chapter 9 when he said, “Our tribe is least and I am the least of my family.” So today we will talk about the other 2 questions. Today’s message answers for them. So the key point is ‘how does the Lord confirm Saul’s kingship to make sure that it is the Lord who asked Saul to be king. The second question is ‘how the Lord secure in battle for Saul. Saul wants to be a king, and he wants to be a victorious king. So these are two things we want to talk about today.

Part I. When you leave me today (v.1-8)

Let’s read verse 1 together. Let’s go. “[1] Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance?”

Here ‘his inheritance’ refers to his people, the Israelites. Samuel anointed Saul but he said, “Has not the Lord anointed you?” So Samuel knew that it was the Lord who asked him to anoint Saul. So he said, “Has not the Lord anointed you?” In the old testament period, the three groups of people are anointed. The kings, the prophets, and the priests. The kings, the prophets, the priests. They were set apart for special purpose, exclusively for the Lord. And these verse 2-7 shows the signs that confirms Saul’s kingship. Let’s read responsively.

“[2] When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel's tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, 'The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, "What shall I do about my son?" ' 

    [3] "Then you will go on from there until you reach the great tree of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there. One will be carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and another a skin of wine. [4] They will greet you and offer you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from them. 

    [5] "After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying. [6] The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, 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.”

So there are three signs although the third sign can be interpreted as multiple signs. So the first sign as Saul goes to his hometown he will pass by near Rachel’s tomb, the city name of Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. And he will meet two people and surprisingly these two people would be his hometown people. And they will say to him, “'The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, "What shall I do about my son?" It’s a small world and he will happen to meet two hometown people but it is still a sign. The second sign given was ‘he will go the place near great tree of Tabor, and three men going up to God at Bethel will meet him there. Since these three men are going to go to God at Bethel they are bringing some kind of offerings for God. One will be carrying three young goats and another carrying three loaves of bread and another carrying a skin of wine. Three young goats is probably for animal sacrifice and three loaves of bread for grain offering and a skin of wine for drink offering. They will greet Saul and offer two loaves of bread. Why? No reason. It’s a sign. And Saul is supposed to accept. To offer two loaves of bread is a way of honoring Saul. Obviously they would not give two loaves of bread because Saul was like a beggar. They are bringing these three loaves of bread to offer to God. So offering two of them to Saul means they would honor Saul as a servant of God.

After that he would go to Gibeah of God. Gibeah is Saul’s hometown. Finally, he would approach his hometown. As he approach the town he will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place. The high place is usually the place people make offerings and sacrifices and there is possibility that this high place has a seminary for prophets. And they are coming down from the high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps played before them. So to speak orchestra members would go ahead of his procession of prophets and they would prophesy. They will be prophesying. At that time the Spirit of the Lord will come upon Saul in power and Saul will also prophesying with them. And Saul will be changed into a different person. So, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is the confirmation of God that God indeed chose Saul as the leader of his people. The anointing of the oil is the symbolic expression of the true anointing which is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. So the anointing of the Holy Spirit is the confirmation that God chose Saul as the leader and it helps Saul to accept his position as king. So Saul will be changed into a different person. What kind of different person we don’t know. But he will be changed into a different person. 

When I went to Korea to marry after spending two years in America during which time I was born again spiritually I met my father and I married Maria. Later I heard this is what my father told his relatives. “My son is exactly the same person by appearance but in his inside he is totally different person.” When I heard it I laughed a lot because I knew how true it was. I was completely different person. We don’t know how the Spirit of the Lord will make difference for Saul but Saul will be a different person.

No one change others. Can you change others? Can we change ourselves? I don’t think so. In order to change others we have a lot of problems and arguments. Husbands try to change wives and wives try to change husbands, and there are arguments and domestic fights. It will never work. Only when the Spirit of God comes upon us in power he can change us. We can be a different people, completely different people. Angry people can be most generous and gentle people. Impatient people can be most patient people. Long faced people can be most joyful people. When the Spirit of the Lord will come upon us in power he can change us into different people. Only God can change us. This is the confirmation of the work of God through the Holy Spirit. It is the confirmation for Saul too. 

Now interesting thing is ‘when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Saul in power’ Saul will be prophesying. Why prophesying? The manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit can appear in many ways. For example when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Samson great physical strength was given. He could tear apart a lion with his bare hands. Great physical strength was manifested. But when the Spirit of the Lord will come upon in Saul prophesying will appear as an evidence and manifestation of the Holy Spirit. What is ‘prophesying’? When we look at the old testament record the king David appointed Levites to praise God and give thanks to God with musical instruments. These praising God and thanking God is a part of prophesying because it is related to the ultimate prophecy. The ultimate prophecy is Jesus’ first coming, his death and resurrection, his second coming, and the complete restoration of the kingdom of God. When we believes this ultimate prophecy he is able to praise God all the time and he is able to thank God all the time. So praising God and thanking God can be a part of prophesying. 

And the Lord demonstrated prophesying as the manifestation of the Holy Spirit to give to victory to Saul. This is first way the Lord wanted to make sure victory for Saul’s battles. Saul would have two battles, his inner battle and his outer battle. His outer battle would be against Philistines. But his inner battle will be against jealousy. He was jealous to King David and this jealousy destroyed his whole life. But what if he always praises God and thanks God? What will happen to him? When Saul praises God and thanks God all the time he will be victorious in overcoming his jealousy. No problem. 

I know one of the servants of God in our ministry who is arguably ‘the most fruitful’ servant. And he told me story. Whenever he is down or has trouble in his heart, he keeps singing one or two hours or even more until his heart is fully restored and filled with the Holy Spirit with great thanks and praising spirit. Indeed the Holy Spirit can come upon Saul in power and help him to prophesy which is to praise God and thank God and it is the first way to secure victory for Saul’s spiritual life. 

And verse 7 says, “Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” Such great confidence will be given to Saul. “Do whatever your hand finds to do for God is with you.” Such a mountainous confidence will be given to Saul as a sign and that was the confirmation from the Lord.

Now the Lord God will give another way to secure Saul’s victory in battles. Let’s read verse 8 together. [8] "Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do."

When I read this verse I don’t understand why this verse is here. Verses 1-7 is promise of signs and verses 9 to 11 is fulfillment of signs. So if I say ‘these are promises of signs and these are fulfillment of signs’ and that will be wonderful message. But in the middle this verse 8 is here and I almost wanted to take it our or not to mention about it conveniently pass away and I think no one will complain about it. 

The difficult of verse 8 is ‘when should Saul go to Gigal ahead of Samuel and why’. When and why are not explained. But obviously between Samuel and Saul it was crystal clear that they even did not mention about it. They had already had conversation on the roof of Samuel’s house. So I had to look it up, where is Gilgal and why is the command given.

If you look at “"Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do” this is national hot line, emergency military strategy set up between Saul and Samuel. This verse was given to Saul to secure victories in battles especially against Philistines. When battle arises between the Israelites and Philistines who is Israel’s major enemy as God said to Samuel ‘Anoint him (Saul) so that he can deliver my people from the Philistines’ as chapter 9, this is what Saul has to do. Saul need to notify to Samuel and ask him to come and wait seven days. And Samuel would come and sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord and receive the Lord’s instruction and tell Saul what to do. It was seven days, time necessary for all soldiers from 12 tribes to gather and Samuel needed time to God and Gilgal is the most convenient place for all the soldiers to gather together and Gilgal is the place where they could offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. 

Now Saul was anointed to be king, and he would suppose to prophesy. So he was king and he was a prophet. But not priest. To sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings is the duty of priest. We know there is only person who is the King, the Prophet, and the Priest. Who is he? Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the King, the Prophet and the Priest. In fact the word ‘Christ’ or ‘Messiah’ means ‘the Anointed.’ Jesus was anointed to be the King, the Prophet and the Priest. The Priest did not come to sacrifice burnt offerings or fellowship offerings. But he offered his own body and life to take away our sins to pay all the payments of our sins and rise again from the dead.

When we look at verse 8 it requires great humility on the side of Saul to obey. Because it says, “but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do.” Saul is the anointed king of whole Israel and he is a prophet but in this case he is nobody before Samuel. He just needs to humble wait until Samuel comes to him and tell him what he is to do and he just needs to carry it out. But this great humility is required to be leader. To submit himself to the authority over him is qualification to be a leader from God’s point of view. 

If you compare verse 8 with verse 7 you will find one more thing. Verse 7 says, “Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” “Do whatever your hand finds to do.” But if you look at verse 8b “But you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do." So we know verse 8 is exception of verse 7. When I thought about these verses I was reminded of Genesis 2:16-17. May we read these verses together? Let’s go. “And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; [17] but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."” In verse 16 God said to Adam, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden.” Complete freedom. But verse 17 says “You must not eat.” So verse 17 is an exception of verse 16. And this command given to Adam was not limit his freedom but to guarantee him to eat the tree of life and receive eternal life and live in the paradise continually. It was the same for Saul.

The command in verse 8 is given to establish ‘dynasty’, ‘dynasty for Saul’. And it was given to Saul to secure his victories in battles, major battles. It was not to limit his freedom or humiliate him. It was to bless him to be the father of kingdom and to experience victories in his major battles. 

When we look at today’s passage God does everything. God will anoint Saul with oil and the Holy Spirit. And God would change Saul into a different person. And as we see later God will change Saul’s heart and touched the hearts of valiant men. So God did everything. Where is Saul’s portion that he should do? This one thing. “But you must wait seven days.” Why is this so? Why is this command given? This command is given because to obey God’s command is so precious to God.

God can do everything but there is one thing God does not do. Why doesn’t God find some ways to make Saul obey his command automatically instead of asking him to wait seven days. Because it was given as freedom of choice. Saul has a free will to make decisions to obey God or disobey God. God can do everything, and to him what could be most precious to him? What could be most previous to God from us? It is our obedience, voluntary, willing obedience to his command. When we are completely free to obey or disobey and if we choose to obey him it really pleases God. This is the most precious offering that we can bring to God. Suppose no one sees you. There are many times no one sees you. You have completely freedom to obey God or disobey God which is sinning. It is a great opportunity to please God the most. But if God does not give us command to obey we don’t have an opportunity to demonstrate that we are willing to obey him and that we really want to show our love and trust to him. That is why the commandment was given to Adam and the command in verse 8 was given to Saul. It was not to limit Saul’s freedom or humiliate him but to give him an opportunity to express his ultimate love and obedience to his command and it will establish dynasty of Saul’s kingdom and bring victory in battles. 

When we obey God’s command what happens? God will go ahead of us and fight. That’s what the Bible says. “The battle is the Lord and the Lord will fight for you!” That is how we will experience victory after victory all the time. We are weak but the Lord is strong. When we obey the Lord’s command the Lord is the one who will fight for us. So this is the last part of ‘the message from God’. “You must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do.” And this is the second way for God to secure victories in battles for Saul.

Part II. These signs were fulfilled that day (v.9-16)

Now let’s read verses 9-13.

“[9] As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. [10] When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying. [11] When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" 

    [12] A man who lived there answered, "And who is their father?" So it became a saying: "Is Saul also among the prophets?" After Saul stopped prophesying, he went to the high place.”

These signs are fulfilled. But the last sign, the coming of the Holy Spirit, is so important that it is recorded. Verse 10 reads, “When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.” Since it is Saul’s hometown they could see him prophesying. When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" We know he is the least person to prophesy. But he is doing that. What happened? 

And the man who lived there answered, “And who is their father?” When I look at this, this is not answer but another question. “And who is their father?” Why says as an answer? What it means is ‘their father probably refers to the fathers of prophets. When God wants someone to prophesy he can send the Holy Spirit and that person can prophesy regardless of the previous condition of the person. Even if the person is the most worldly or not religious or whatsoever he will prophesy. So people say, “Is Saul also one of the prophets?” “Well, if God wants him to do it he will do it. What are you talking about?” That is what it meant. So it became an idiom, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” to refer to most unexpected things.

We had a special song today. I know these choir members practiced two weeks. Let’s suppose I am the least person to sing and I don’t know how to read music notes. And I never sang together. But suddenly today I jumped into among them and sang together with them harmoniously perfectly without making any mistakes. What would you say? “Wow! What happened to missionary John Kwon? Is he also among the choir members?” When Saul went to his home his uncle asked him, "Where have you been?" Saul said, “Well, looking for the donkeys. But when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel." Saul’s uncle knew who Samuel was, the most prominent person, prophet. "Tell me what Samuel said to you." Saul replied, "He assured us that the donkeys had been found." But he did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about the kingship.” It will be very embarrassing if he tells. It is just between Samuel and Saul. 

Part III. Saul son of Kish was chosen (v.17-27)

Let’s read verses 17-24 responsively. “Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the Lord at Mizpah [18] and said to them, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.' [19] But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans." 

    [20] When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. [21] Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. [22] So they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?" And the Lord said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage." [23] They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. [24] Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." Then the people shouted, "Long live the king!"”

This is how the Lord has chosen Saul in front of all the people of Israelites. So this is the confirmation from the Lord in addition to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

Let’s read verses 25-27. “Samuel explained to the people the regulations of the kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord. Then Samuel dismissed the people, each to his own home. [26] Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. [27] But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.” 

So after explaining the regulations of the kingship Samuel dismissed the people. Saul also went to his home in Gibeah but not alone. God had touched the heart of valiant men and they became the foundation of Saul’s army. So Saul did not do anything. But God did everything. 

But some troublemakers said, “How can this fellow save us?” These troublemakers had said in the past, “Give us king and we will not complain.” So the king was given and they still complain, “How can this fellow save us?” Another name of troublemakers is ‘complainers’. Complaining people. Don’t be hear them. They are troublemakers. In addition to that they are opposing God. They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.” 

So in conclusion, firstly, how does the Lord confirm Saul’s kingship? Firstly, by anointing him with the Holy Spirit. Secondly, by choosing him before all the Israelites. Second, how does the Lord secure victory in battles for Saul? Firstly by helping him to prophesy, praising him and thanking God. Secondly, by giving him one command to obey. Do you have one command to obey? Do you have some command from God that can show your complete humility over authorities over you? And You are blessed.

One word: The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power

    

    

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first. “[17] Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the Lord at Mizpah [18] and said to them, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.' [19] But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans."

So Samuel anointed Saul and Saul was anointed by God and all these signs were fulfilled. Therefore it was confirmed that God anointed Saul and it is the Lord’s will for Saul to be leader over his inheritance. But the people didn’t know. Samuel cannot show all these signs to them or coming of the Holy Spirit. So God had to choose Saul before all the people. So let’s read verses 20-22. 

1 Samuel 10:20-24 

    “When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. [21] Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. [22] So they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?" And the Lord said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."” [23] They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. [24] Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." Then the people shouted, "Long live the king!"”

So the Lord chose Saul son of Kish. So he is chosen before all the people of Israel. So God demonstrated before them all, “This is the one I have chosen.” “This is the one I anointed leader over my people.”

Let’s read verses 25-27. “[25] Samuel explained to the people the regulations of the kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord. Then Samuel dismissed the people, each to his own home. [26] Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. [27] But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.””

So Samuel explained to the people the regulations of the kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord. Then Samuel dismissed the people. Saul also went home but this time not alone. He went with valiant men whose hearts God had touched. And this is how foundation of Saul’s army was formed. So he was not alone. But there are always trouble makers. Another name of trouble makers is ‘complainers’. “How can this fellow save us?” These trouble makers requested a king and the king was given. But they still complained. “How can this fellow save?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.””

So we know we can greatly strengthened and inspired if we know that God has anointed us leader over some people, although leading means serving, lead them to Christ. How can we have these signs and see signs fulfilled and coming of the Holy Spirit and confirmation before people. Where can we get it (confirmation)? We cannot get these signs and our bible teachers may not come to us and say, “Missionary John Kwon, God sent me to say these signs to you and you will be anointed by God through the Holy Spirit, and you will experience these things and you will be chosen before all the people.” It will not happen. Then how God anoint us leader over his inheritance? I think he did through his Holy Spirit based on his word. So when the word of God is revealed by the illumination of the Holy Spirit we know God anoints us by his power. I was also.. testimony.---

That is how God anoints his people by the power of the Holy Spirit based on the word of God. In today’s passage the Holy Spirit works according to the message from God. In the same way God anoints each of us by sending his Holy Spirit based on the word of God and we will be anointed and we can do whatever we cannot do in the past such as prophesying or singing beautifully or all kinds of things impossible things. Actually Jesus says to his disciples in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."” 

To witness of Jesus Christ requires a lot of spiritual power. We have so many obligations. We are breathless even to discharge our basic obligations as students, or workers, fathers, mothers. There are so many obligations. In addition to these obligations to preach Jesus in Jerusalem, Samaria and to the ends of the earth requires tremendous spiritual power. That’s simply impossible things to do. But Jesus told his disciples and promised them, ““But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you”. God gave Jesus’ disciples and us the Holy Spirit so that we can witnesses of Jesus Christ. 

So in conclusion, in today’s passage God confirmed Saul’s kingship and God confirmed that he anointed Saul leader over his inheritance by telling signs and fulfilling the signs and also choosing him before all the Israelites. But one command was given which Saul must obey no matter what happens. One word of God, one command of God. This one command of God for us could be ‘you will be my witnesses’ ‘feed my lambs’ ‘take care of my sheep’ or ‘feed my sheep’ which is the direction of our ministry this year.

One word: Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance? 

    

    

    

    

    

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