The Servant-Consultant

When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, “Come, let’s go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.” But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.” (First Samuel 9:5-6)

In this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Andy spoke on the important role of Saul’s servant. The servant, upon hearing Saul express a desire to return home, presented an alternative that would prove to be life-changing for Saul. The servant’s proposal? Let’s go to the man of God.

Our pastor shared that God gives us people who connect the routine things of life to our destiny. First Samuel 9:6 shows us what the servant knew:

v  The servant knew that Samuel, a man of God, lived in the area;

v  The servant knew that Samuel was highly respected;

v  The servant knew that everything Samuel said was accurate.

Upon meeting Samuel face-to-face, Saul asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” (First Samuel 9:18)—because Saul had no idea what Samuel looked like. He knew nothing of Samuel except what the servant had told him, but that information was enough to move Saul closer to his destiny. Were it not for the servant, though, Saul would have left the region that held the key to his kingship.

Perhaps you are connected with someone who appears to be “beneath” you in some form or fashion. Maybe he’s younger than you. Maybe he’s been a Christian for a shorter period of time. Maybe he’s new to the community. Maybe he’s your employee. I pray that today’s reflection will encourage us to hear the voices of those who are sometimes rendered voiceless in our communities of faith, simply because they don’t hold a particularly valued position. Who knows? They might be the ones God has chosen to bring you one step closer to where you ought to be.

Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.