In First Samuel 9, we find the story of Saul looking for his father’s lost donkeys. He was on an errand for his father, and had covered a large portion of land, and could not find them. So, he had an idea – he needed to find a seer – a prophet – someone with a supernatural connection to God, who could just tell him where those stupid donkeys were so that he could get on with his life. That decision to look for a prophet led him to Samuel.
God had been talking to Samuel about Saul. God had bigger plans for Saul than just donkeys! With Israel’s new-found insistence on having a king, God was going to give them the king that they fit their desires, and Saul was going to be their first king. So, when Saul went to Samuel to talk about donkeys, Samuel’s answer was this, “…but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.” (1 Samuel 9:27)
How often do people see the preacher as the “quick fix” to a problem so that they can “get on with their lives”? How often do we go to God with the same mentality! Just solve this quick situation that I’ve gotten myself into, and I’ll leave you alone, and move along.
The mark of a good preacher – a good church – any good ministry – is that they will not simply fix any temporal need, but that they will stop and show the person in need the Word of God. God wants to provide much more than donkeys. He has a much fuller life planned for each of us; one that is lived step by step with the Creator.
Have you received the Lord? He is ready to be your Saviour, and guide every decision of your life – not just the ones about donkeys.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12)
“For the wages of sin 𝑖𝑠 death; but the gift of God 𝑖𝑠 eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10,13)