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The Potential is There, May 23
1 Samuel 9:1-2
There was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he.
1
Samuel 9:2
.
The personal qualities of the future monarch were such as to gratify that pride
of heart which prompted the desire for a king.... Of noble and dignified bearing,
in the prime of life, comely and tall, he appeared like one born to command.
Yet with these external attractions, Saul was destitute of those higher qualities
that constitute true wisdom. He had not in youth learned to control his rash,
impetuous passions; he had never felt the renewing power of divine grace
The Lord would not leave Saul to be placed in a position of trust without
divine enlightenment. He was to have a new calling, and the Spirit of the Lord
came upon him. The effect was that he was changed into a new man. The
Lord gave Saul a new spirit, other thoughts, other aims and desires than he
had previously had. This enlightenment, with the spiritual knowledge of God,
placing him on vantage ground, was to bind his will to the will of Jehovah....
Saul had a mind and influence capable of governing a kingdom, if his powers
had been submitted to the control of God, but the very endowments that qualified
him for doing good could be used by Satan, when surrendered to his power,
and would enable him to exert widespread influence for evil. He could be more
sternly vindictive, more injurious and determined in prosecuting his unholy
designs, than could others, because of the superior powers of mind and heart
that had been given him of God
Should he trust to his own strength and judgment, Saul would move impul-
sively, and would commit grave errors. But if he would remain humble, seeking
constantly to be guided by divine wisdom, and advancing as the providence of
God opened the way, he would be enabled to discharge the duties of his high
position with success and honor. Under the influence of divine grace, every good
quality would be gaining strength, while evil traits would as steadily lose their
power. This is the work which the Lord proposes to do for all who consecrate
themselves to Him
[150]
47
Ibid., 608
.
48
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1013
.
49
Ibid., 1016, 1017
.
154