THE HOLY SPIRIT IN FIRST SAMUEL
Dearest brothers and sisters,
In the book of 1 Samuel, we see the appointing of men who were called by God into position, namely Saul and David. Actually the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel primarily talk about the reign of kings Saul and David.
In 1 Samuel, Israel had demanded a king. (1Samuel 8:4-10, Acts 13:21-22) This was not pleasing to Samuel the chief prophet of that day, because it was a rejection of the Lord God as their king. However the Lord said to go ahead and heed the people. As a result, God gave Samuel some instructions regarding the appointing of the king.
1 Sam. 9:27-1 Sam 10:1 As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” And he went on. “But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God.” 1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the LORD has anointed you commander over His inheritance?
This verse records the appointing of Saul as king. The anointing oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit who empowered king Saul for ruler-ship. Sadly, king Saul eventually began to walk in rebellion against God. Saul ignored God’s voice and stubbornly persisted in rebellion. When he did this, the Holy Spirit departed from him. (1 Sam. 16:14.) Through his rebellion, Saul had opened the door to a tormenting spirit. The New Living Translation says that the tormenting spirit 1 Sam 16:14 “filled him with depression and fear.” In light of New Covenant revelation, we know that God cannot send anyone a spirit of depression and fear. (2Tim 1:7). The Hebrew language mostly doesn’t separate what God allowed and what He actually did. God allows what we allow. When they wanted a king, He gave them a king. When Saul wanted rebellion (which is controlled by a spirit of witchcraft) he himself opened the door to that spirit.
Next look at 1 Sam. 16:1,13). It was the Holy Spirit who empowered David to be king over Israel. Whomever God appoints to a position of authority, He anoints with power. The Bible says David was a man after God’s own heart. Though he made his sinful errors, he knew how to repent before the Lord. (See Psalms 51:10-11.) He valued his relationship with the Holy Spirit.
So from these examples we can see that God by the agency of the Holy Spirit appoints people into position, but when they disobey God and persist into rebellion, then they remove themselves from position and walk away from the appointment of the Holy Spirit. Though the callings of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29), yet the Holy Spirit cannot stay where God or Jesus is not glorified. You and I must recognize who has the power to appoint and anoint. Every position in ministry, every place of influence and every measure of authority is given to us by the Holy Spirit. Our continued cooperation with Him and obedience is of utmost importance to staying in that position.
What God did by His Spirit in the appointing of Saul and David into position was a foreshadowing of what He does today. God by His Spirit appoints people into position. For example, He makes some to be overseers or pastors over His people.
Look at Acts 20:28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. NKJV
Yes, in the New Covenant God chooses, calls, appoints and anoints people into position in the five-fold ministry. (John 15:16, Eph. 4:4,11-12, 1 Cor. 12:28.) We do not and cannot appoint ourselves in places of power. The only valid and relevant position of authority is the one that the Holy Spirit has given through His appointment. It is when you stay humble before Him that you stay empowered by Him. Never take for granted the position of authority that He has given you. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of appointment.
