-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL) – Brian has been writing devotions on his facebook page this year as he reads along with a chronological Bible reading plan. We will post Brian’s writing on 1 Samuel 9 & 10 today and 11 & 12 and summary tomorrow.
Let’s walk slowly, line by line, through 1 Samuel 9–12 and let the Bible explain itself.
⸻
1 Samuel 9 – A Man Looking for Donkeys… and Finding a Kingdom
Saul is introduced while searching for lost donkeys (9:3).
That matters.
He is not chasing a throne.
He is not asking to lead.
He is walking through ordinary life.
But God tells Samuel ahead of time:
“About this time tomorrow I will send you a man…” (1 Samuel 9:16)
Saul thinks he is searching.
God says, “I am sending.”
This is how God works.
God is already acting as King—
directing people, setting appointments, moving history.
Saul meets Samuel.
Samuel tells him:
“All the desire of Israel is turned to you.” (9:20)
The people want a king.
And Saul looks like the answer.
He is:
• Tall (9:2)
• Impressive
• The kind of man people notice
Everything about him says:
“This is what we were looking for.”
But the question is not:
“Does he look right?”
The question is:
“Is he the one who can lead people back to God?”
⸻
1 Samuel 10 – Chosen, Confirmed… and Hiding
Samuel anoints Saul (10:1).
God gives signs:
• Donkeys found (10:2)
• Bread provided (10:3–4)
• Spirit comes upon him (10:6)
Everything confirms:
God has chosen this man.
But then comes a strange moment.
When it is time to present the king:
“They looked for him, but he was not to be found… he has hidden himself among the supplies.” (10:21–22)
The king is hiding.
The man who stands tall in appearance
is small in confidence.
This is a warning.
A person can look ready
and still not be ready.
The people see his height.
God sees his heart.
⸻
Tomorrow we will share the rest of Brian K Froehlich’s devotion on 1 Samuel 9-12 which he posted on his facebook page on April 11, 2026.
Reflection Questions
- Who do you recognize as chosen by God to be a leader in your life? Is there perhaps anyone else that you have overlooked or not accepted as God’s chosen?
- Have you ever been surprised by what role it might appear God has chosen you for?
- Have you ever wanted to run and hide when God called you to a job? Where should your confidence lie?
Prayer
Dear God, You are perfect and all Your ways are perfect. Help me see and know that You are the Ultimate King I need all the time. Thank you for selecting, anointing, and working through the human leaders You have chosen for my life. Show me, Lord, what job You desire me to do. Fill me with Your Spirit, prepare me, make me bold, keep my trust in You in all things. Thank you for Your Son Jesus and the job You have given him to reign.
Seek Grow Love 