1 Samuel 9:18-24

Shadows of coming events.

The facts are—

1 . Saul, on accosting Samuel, is invited to stay with him, is assured of the safety of the asses, and is caused to know that great honour is in store for him.

2 . Saul, taken by surprise, desires to have further explanations of the language used.

3 . Samuel entertains Saul with all the honours due to a distinguished guest. The position of Samuel was one of relative advantage, for Saul was ignorant of the Divine intent, while he knew the purpose of God. The course taken by Samuel was as follows:—First he intimated to Saul that it would be well to accept his proffered hospitality, as he had a communication to make which would draw out his interest ( 1 Samuel 9:19 ). Then he relieves his care about his father's property, and awakens more curiosity by the further intimation that the choice things of Israel were in reserve for him and his father's house. To prevent hasty explanations, he next induces him to take his place in an entertainment as chief guest; thus by a significant act preparing him and the people for something more definite. And with all the kindliness and courtesy due to distinction, he threw a gleam of light on the strange proceeding by reminding him that though his presence there seemed accidental, it was not quite so, as he was the person for whom the dish of honour had been reserved ( 1 Samuel 9:24 ). Thus was the nomination of Saul as the king shadowed forth. In all this the prophet acted in his official capacity as representative of God. May we not see here how God prepares us for disclosures of his will?

I. The FULL TRUTH GOD WOULD HAVE US KNOW IS BROKEN UP AND MADE CLEAR BY DEGREES . The prophet here was slightly opening the veil before the eyes of Saul; he was qualifying his sight for dazzling splendour. And that is just what all the prophets of God have done and are doing for us. They intimate to us that there are great truths in reserve, and so speak to us by the way as to indicate in dim outline what some day will stand out in eternal clearness. The figures, the types, the allusions to the "unspeakable," the reminders that we are but disciples, children—all are foreshadowings of great realities on which the mind will in future gaze. "We know in part." It is true the Bible is all we need for salvation, and contains more spiritual truth than elsewhere to be found; but in one sense it is to men a treasure, and we are only fitted to receive out of it a dim intimation of the truth, as Saul was fitted only to receive from the mind of the prophet a portion of what was there for him. The process by which God's truth was given to the world—by allusion, dim prophecy, type, historical examples foreshadowing the Christ, till at last the full announcement came—is another illustration of the gentleness and wisdom wherewith God has "spoken" to men.

II. The FULL HONOURS GOD HAS IN RESERVE FOR HIS PEOPLE ARE GRADUALLY REVEALED . Saul wondered what distinction was awaiting him. lie felt unworthy of such language as that used by the prophet. His wonder was not satisfied at once. Men have been known to die under the sudden declarations of bliss awaiting them. Equally so God has in reserve for all who are one with Christ a crown, a glory, an honour, which though we know by name, we know not in reality. "We know not what we shall be." There is a joy and glory unspeakable. There are things which an apostle could not utter. Future realities are only dimly shadowed forth by earthly words and symbols. A full vision of coming honours might paralyse the strongest frame.

General lessons : —

1 . Deep interest in the welfare of the Church of God will suppress all feelings of personal jealousy.

2 . A good man will enter heartily into new methods recognised by God, even though at first they were distressing to his own heart.

3 . The qualities of gentleness and courtesy towards God's servants have the highest sanction, and do much to facilitate private and public business.

4 . The keenest sense of unworthiness is that experienced when God confers on us the choice honours and treasures of his kingdom.

5 . The transition to the full glory of the future will be natural and easy in so far as we avail ourselves of the shadowings forth of the reality contained in God's word.