FILL UP AND SET OUT

1 Samuel 16:1-13
"Fill your horn with oil and set out... I will send you... for I have provided..."

FATHER ALMIGHTY, Why do we grieve so much over the past? Why is it so difficult for us to shift gears with you and move on to your new thing? The mighty prophet Samuel was even afraid of what others might do or say if he left at your instruction and searched for your next king. "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." How often is this phrase repeated in your church today?

Saul, who was once considered a mighty warrior was now fearful, suspicious and worried about maintaining his own rule and power. Rather than focusing on you LORD, Saul was focused on maintenance of his own status quo. How often is this repeated in your church today? Samuel knew things were a mess - he knew Saul was not the LORD's king over Israel - and yet allowed himself to be intimidated by Saul and his minions. And yet YHWH says, "How long will you grieve... fill your horn with oil and set out... I will send you... for I have provided..."

Lord, help us in your church to be Samuels - willing to listen obediently to your directions and to go where you send us seeking your provision. I pray Lord for all of our leaders, myself included, that we would not dwell in our grief and disappointment over the past, but step heartily and bravely into the new thing you are doing. This is an old, old story, repeated time and again... But your Kingdom is not stagnant, not reliant on one or a few persons, not a formula of rituals and comforting practices, but rather a journey of change and unexpected grace and adventure. Your are not impressed by our budgets, buildings or barbeques, for you don't look at the "outward appearances", but you O Lord "look on the heart".

Help us in your church today to be men and women of courage - to embrace the fullness and wholeness of your gospel mission - going where you send to those you send us to - seeking out your provision - anointing new leaders who are men and women after your own heart - Davids and Samuels. May we be a church on the move - seeking - anointing and moving on in your victory!
"Rise and anoint him; for this is the one. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went..."

May we recognize our sent nature, Lord Jesus, and move forward, for your glory and in your grace with your Spirit mightily upon us. Amen.