The Appointed Time: When it’s God’s Will but Hasn’t Arrived Yet
In life, there are no coincidences or things that just haphazardly “fall into place”, for God is an astute and active Creator in our lives.
1 samuel 9:24 amp
“Then the cook lifted up the leg (thigh) with the meat that was on it [indicating that it was the priest’s honored portion] and placed it before Saul. Samuel said, “Here is what has been reserved [for you]. Set it before you and eat, because it has been kept for you until the appointed time, ever since I invited the people.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.”
We’ve gone round and round the mountain with the Israelites, so this week we are moving on to talk about King Saul. I always think of Saul and David as two of the most memorable Kings of Israel, for both, how they became Kings and how they ruled as Kings.
In 1 Samuel 9, Saul’s father asks him to search for his missing donkeys and to take a servant with him. After some time traveling, Saul suggested that the two return home, despite the donkeys still being lost. However, the servant aware of the city they had entered, advised that they should seek the counsel of man of God who resides there, Samuel. And so on they went to see Samuel.
Interestingly enough, God had come to Samuel the day before Saul arrived with the servant to tell him that a man would be coming and that this man would be anointed to rule over Israel. Upon meeting Saul, Samuel informs him that the donkeys they’ve been searching for have been found. Later during their meal, Samuel tells Saul, “Here is what has been reserved [for you]. Set it before you and eat, because it has been kept for you until the appointed time, ever since I invited the people.” (1 Samuel 9:24) and then officially anoints him (1 Samuel 10).
Pretty extraordinary, right? Yet things like this are so typical of God, for he moves simultaneously in the past, present and future. Who would have guessed that donkey-chasing would literally lead someone into their calling, which in Saul’s case was King of Israel!?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 ESV
God’s Plans are perfect, because He accounts for all the little, but important things that we cannot. Everyone is anointed in unique ways and with equally unique ways of being lead into that anointing. God may or may not be orchestrating your steps using a donkey, but beyond what your eyes can see are people, places and things being intricately woven together to fit your needs and God Desires for your life!
Until Weekend Wellness,
