The Boundaries of the Leader | 1 Samuel 10:7-9

Do you know your leadership boundaries?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader."

Today, we continue the story where Samuel anoints Saul in a significant moment and foretells a series of events that will shape his leadership journey. He also issues instructions for the upcoming week until Saul reaches Gilgal. Let's read verses 7-9:

Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. Then go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.” When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day. — 1 Samuel 10:7-9

What Samuel is doing here is telling Saul that he is chosen to be Israel's king, but it comes with limitations. He is given the role of leadership, but his leadership is given boundaries. In other words, he can do what his "hand finds to do," but not anything and everything his "hand finds to do." This is an outstanding leadership and discipleship lesson in the relationship between God and his people.

The structure of Israel's national leadership is God is King. Next, Samuel functions as the judge and communicates as the go-between. Then the prince, that is Saul, comes in a distant third. The structure of this monarchy was different from that of the surrounding nations, whose kings thought themselves to be gods and even worshiped themselves as gods.

This leadership tension is an enduring struggle in any company, church, or country. We have all seen how catastrophic a company, church, or country can be with a narcissistic authoritarian leader at the top. However, this issue with the leader is not controlled by legislation, constitutions, amendments, or competing systems of government. It is something that a leader must submit to within their heart. Only a believer indwelled by the Holy Spirit who has submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ can moderate the selfish inclinations that rebel against God's order.

Today, submit again to the pecking order of God. Surrender those selfish inclinations to do what "you want to do." Let the Spirit prompt you to surrender to God as King and stop trying to be the king. You are not. You are no match for the king.

#LeadershipLessons, #BiblicalGuidance, #FaithJourney

Ask This:

How can you apply the principle of submitting to God's order in your current leadership roles, whether at work, at home or in your community?

In what areas of your life do you struggle with the desire to be in control, and how can you surrender these to God and trust His plan?

Do This:

Submit to the Spirit and the King.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to recognize and submit to Your divine order in my life, embracing the boundaries You have set for my leadership. Grant me the humility to surrender my desires and follow Your will wholeheartedly. Amen.

Play This:

Only King Forever.