“ANOINTED FOR A PURPOSE”
(1 Samuel 9:1 – 11:15)
“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over His people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies.’” – 1 Samuel 10:1
Our readings in the opening chapters of First Samuel deal with a significant shift in Israel’s history. As a nation, to this point, Israel had been led by judges with God Himself as their king. But wanting to be like other nations they pleaded for an earthly king to rule over them, and God, after warning them of the dangers of their request, relented.
So Samuel anointed Saul with oil (10:1) as Israel’s first king, a clear statement of God’s selection and empowerment. Prior to this moment, there were only two occasions when anointings took place. Priests were anointed and the sanctuary of the Tabernacle was anointed. This was a sign of God’s approval and indication of God pouring Himself out upon Saul, equipping him for the immense responsibility ahead. This was not merely a political appointment – it was a divine calling. Saul must know that his authority did not come from man but from God and that leadership in God’s kingdom is not about personal ambition or human ability but, rather, serving God and the people.
Application
The same is true for us today. If God calls us for a specific task our fears should be silenced – “Am I capable?” Or, “Do I have the experience or knowledge?” Or maybe even questioning God’s appointment. Be assured, if God appoints, He also anoints and equips. Whether in ministry, home, school, work – wherever God has placed us we must realize that it is His specific mission for my life in this moment.
Walk in obedience, trust His provision, serve with humility. His anointing is an invitation to a life of purpose.
Reflection
Consider the areas in your life where God has placed you in positions of influence or responsibility. Are you relying on your own strength, or are you seeking His guidance and empowerment? Reflect on the significance of being set apart for God’s purposes and how you can align your actions with His will.
Closing Prayer…
Father, thank You for this reminder that You equip those You call. Give me discernment to recognize the places you’ve appointed me to serve. Give me humility to seek Your guidance, the determination to obey your commands, and the courage to live out my calling. Help me to remember that my strength and authority comes from You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
About our Author
John A Pra was born and raised in Queens, NY and has lived almost all of his life in the metropolitan area. After graduating from Bible college (now University of Valley Forge) he entered into full-time pastoral ministry. John and his wife, Diana, have been living in Carlstadt since 1990, pastoring Cornerstone Church and now at Transformation Life Church since 2022.
John and Diana have been married for 39 years and have three children and one granddaughter (who owns them). Besides loving time spent with family, he enjoys sports, reading, travel, and the golf course.
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