He Endured Despite Disappointments - "For How Long Will You Be Mourning Saul?" - Conclusion

 Samuel was deeply  upset over Saul's failings.  He spent the night crying out to Jehovah about the matter.  He went into mourning for the man. Samuel had seen so much potential in Saulm so much good, and now such feelings were shattered. The man he once knew had changed-he had lost his best qualities and turned against Jehovh. Samual refussed to see Saul ever again.  In time,  though,  Jehovah offered Samuel  this gently reproof: "For how long will you be mourning for Saul, while I, on the other hand, have rejected him from ruling as king for Israel?  Fill your horn and go. I shall send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, because I have provided amng his sons a king for myself." - 1 SAMUEL 15:34,35; 16:1. 

Note: The problem with this is that Saul died after David was made king, but had not ruled because Saul was still alive.  When Saul went to battle, not did Saul get killed, but Jonathan, his son as well. I know this because David mourning over Jonathan's death. The were great friends.  Why they left this out I don't know, but I think everyone needs to know that this bit if information out .

Jehovah's purposes doesnot depend on the wavering loyalties of imperfect humans. if one man turns unfaithful, Jehovah will find another to carry out His will.  So aged  Samuel let go of his grief over Saul.  At Jehovah's direction, Samuel went to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem, where he met a number of Jesse's impressive-looking sons. Yet, from the first, Jehovah reminded Samuel to look beyond mere physical attributes.  (Read 1 Samuel 16:7.)  Finally, Samuel met the youngest son, and there was Jehovah's choice- David!

In his final years, Samuel got to see ever more clearly the righness of Jehovah's decision to replace Saul and David.  Saul descended into murderous jealousy and apostast.  David, however, showed beautiful qualities-courage, integrity, faith, and loyalty.  As Samuel's life drew to a close, his faith grew ever stronger. He saw that no disappointment is too great for Jehovah to heal, to resolve, or even to turn into a blessing. Finally, Samuel died, leaving behind the record of a remarkable life that spanned the better part of a century. All of Israel mourned the loss of that faithful man-and no wonder!  To this day, servants of Jehovah do well to ask,  "Will I imitate the faith of Samuel?" 

Next time: He Protected, He Provided, He Persevered

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