Would you please find in your Bibles tonight 1 Samuel chapter 9. 1 Samuel chapter 9 and we will commence to read the word of God when you find a place. 1 Samuel chapter 9. In the first verse we are introduced to a man called Kish. And then in verse two, we read of this man, and they had a son whose name was Saul, a choice young man and a goodly. And there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he. From his shoulders and upward, he was higher than any of the people. And the asses of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. And he passed through Mount Ephraim, passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found him not. Then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not. And they passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. And when they were come to the land of Zuff, Saul said to his servant that was with him, come and let us return, lest my father leave caring for the Asses and take thought for us. And he said unto him, behold now, there is in the city a man of God, and he is an honorable man, all that he saith cometh surely to pass. Now let us go thither, peradventure he can show us our way, that we should go. Then said Saul to his servant, but behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God, what have we? And the servant answered Saul again and said, behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver. That will I give to the man of God to tell us our way. Before times in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, come and let us go to the seer, another name for the prophet, for that is now called a prophet, there it's confirmed. was before time called a seer. Then said Saul to his servant, well, Seth, come, let us go. So they went on to the city where the man of God was. And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water and said unto them, is the seer here? And they answered them and said, he is. Behold, he is before you. Make haste now, for he came today to the city, for there is a sacrifice of the people today in the high place. As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice. And afterwards they eat that be bidden, Now, therefore, get you up, for about this time you shall find him. And they went up into the city, and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place. And may God be pleased to bless his word to all of our hearts, for Christ's sake. Now, we'll bow again for a moment in prayer. Loving Father, thy word has been read, now bless it. Thy word has been set before the congregation, be pleased to bless the preaching of thy word to the congregation. And may it prove to be a blessing to every heart gathered here in the house of God and those who may be viewing it from their fireside, their bedside, wherever. We pray that God will speak Speak tonight, speak to us all, draw graciously near, and bless me now, I humbly pray, in Jesus' name, amen. The subject that I have for your consideration tonight is a little bit longer than the morning one. I want to speak for a little time about the gospel from an insignificant event, the gospel from an insignificant event. Someone said little things are much more important than we often imagine. They have been known to turn the course of events, not only in the life of an individual, but also in the history of the world. Many, many years ago, some men in the United States of America were having a conversation one evening. One of them said to those who were listening to his voice that he had learned not to pay much attention to little things. One of the other men replied, would you believe that a pair of socks I once wore changed the course of my life? I can hardly believe that, the man replied. It's true, he said. He then went on to explain how the seeming insignificant thing changed his life. He and a few of his friends were planning a trip on a canal boat. That was a big event for them at that particular time. Two days before the event, he was chopping wood in the backyard. The axe slipped and he injured his foot. The blue dye in the homemade socks poisoned the wound. With the result, he was compelled to stay at home. So while his two friends were away enjoying themselves on this canal boat, a preacher came to town to conduct some gospel meetings. Since he had nothing better to do, he decided to attend one of these gospel services. And the message that they heard in that occasion touched his heart. His life was radically changed by the gospel. He then, as a result of that, determined to seek an education that would enable him to live better for God as a Christian. The man who told this story was a former president of the United States of America, James A. Garfield. You see, little things often have far-reaching consequences. And this is vividly demonstrated in this particular story before us in 1 Samuel chapter 9. It's the story of how a young man set out searching for his father's asses and returned home, the first king of Israel. Isn't that truly amazing? Who would have thought that Israel's first king would have been called to that particular role, to the throne of Israel? as the first king of Israel, while he was searching for asses. Maybe you've come to this meeting tonight and you don't really attach any significance to the fact that you're here. But today could be the turning point in your life. It could prove to be a change that would radically bring about joy to your heart and soul and fit you for heaven and home and glory. So let's have a look at the story, keeping that in mind, that's the background, the gospel from an insignificant event. Three things that I want to highlight for your attention this evening. First of all, there is Saul's negative search Now when we're introduced to Saul in verse three, he's searching for something. It says, the asses of Kish, Saul's father, were lost, and the father said unto him, go seek the asses. Now right away, let me say this. I want to get your attention right now. Isn't it interesting that the story before us is about a father who sent the son to seek lost things? I'm talking here about gospel content here. There's gospel truth here. Does it not say in John 3, 16, for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. And Luke tells us that he came to seek and to save that which was lost. Who sent them? He was sent by God the Father on a mercy mission. Do you not see the gospel here? This is the picture. This is the setup. This is where God would have us focus our attention tonight. Saul was searching for something, but he couldn't find what he was searching for. At this point, Saul had no thought about God. It's obvious that he wasn't a praying man, because when the Father gave him this commission, he didn't pray about guidance. He didn't ask the Lord to direct him to find these assets. So I assume that he wasn't a praying man. He never asked God to guide him. Many people today are searching for something. I don't know what you're searching for. It may be prosperity. It may be possession. It may be a pleasure. But sadly, Saul couldn't find what he was searching for. And in verse 4, we're told twice, they found them not. They couldn't find what they were looking for. What are you searching for? I think about the prodigal son. He went away from home. He left his father. He left his father's presence. He was tired with life at home. He wanted to explore a new world out there that he'd never experienced before. And so he went away, but he came back again. Why? Because he couldn't find what he was looking for in the far country. He had to come back again. What about the rich young ruler, a respectable young man? Like many people who walk the streets of Ulm or Six Mile Cross or Birra or Castle Derg, good people. But they have no faith in Jesus Christ. The rich young ruler, he was challenged by Christ and he went away. But there's no record in the scriptures that he ever came back. He went away. He refused the invitation. He turned his back on Christ to do his own thing, to go his own way, to be satisfied with what he could do. And we never read of him coming back. I wonder where he is today, after all these long years. Where is he? Does his voice mingle and join with those damn souls? who are there, have been there for decades, will be there forever and ever lost. Maybe you're searching for the wrong thing in the wrong place, like the prodigal, like the rich young ruler. The Bible does stress in Matthew 6.33, seek ye first the kingdom of God. That's what they ought to search for, the kingdom of God. In verse 5, we're told that Saul became frustrated as the response shows. For he says in verse 5, Saul said to his servant that was with him, come and let us return, lest my father leave caring for the asses and take thought of us. It was a frustrating search. So he said, let us return. I want to give up. I can't find what I'm looking for. Going home. Many an anxious parent waits to hear the safe return of a prodigal son or daughter. Now we read about a prodigal here in Luke's Gospel 15. Maybe you're that prodigal. It's interesting that no name is given for the prodigal son. So it's open to be applied to this congregation. Maybe a young man, young woman, a prodigal. Maybe an older man or woman. You're a prodigal. It doesn't apply only to young people. You can remember being taught the things of God on your mother's knee years and years ago. And over the years you've hardened your heart, you've gotten away from what you were taught. But I am here to remind you of those things that you were taught. You need to seek the Lord early. You need to trust Him for salvation. You need to repent and believe and receive Him gladly tonight. And be sure and guaranteed of glory. We're told further that Saul visited Mount Ephraim, the land of Shalisha, the land of Shalim, the land of Benjamin. Verse four, he searched high and low. He searched far and near, but could not find what he was searching for. It was a futile search. Not only frustrating, futile. Searching in the wrong places. Baby, you're searching in the wrong place tonight. Baby, you're looking in the wrong place. Jeremiah talks about the broken cisterns that hold no water. That's applicable to this world, and whatever this world has got to offer. It's like a cistern that holds no water. That's a useless thing. You wouldn't quench many thirsts if you had a cistern with a hole in it that was broken. You wouldn't get very far. The world is like that. It leaves you thirsty. Even after enjoying the things of this life and the pleasures of this world, it still leaves you empty. It still leaves you thirsty, unsatisfied. Now none but Christ can satisfy. It's only the Savior who can satisfy. Don't listen to anybody else that tells you you can only be fulfilled if you live in the world and drink yourself to death and get high on drugs or anything else. This is what you need to do to be happy. A lot of nonsense. Give Christ his rightful place, and you'll learn to live. You'll enjoy life to the full. And you'll not end up in a sinner's grave, a lost soul to eternity. The people in Haggai's day, they neglected the Lord, and the prophet likens them to people who earned their wages and put it into a bag with holes. That wasn't suitable. I mean it, man. putting your wage onto a bag with holes. He would want to get those holes well sealed up. What good is putting money onto a bag with holes in it? You would lose it all. And that's just a picture of men seeking things to be found in this world. It's like a bag with holes in it. It will do you no good. It will bring you joy and peace and contentment. They neglected God's house and the privileges that they were given. They put their work, they put their own homes before God's house, before God himself. Queen Elizabeth I, before she died in 1603, had 2,000 costly dresses. And she came face to face with death. She cried, all my possessions for one moment of time. And a moment passed. And the dresses remained, and the luxuries remained, but she suddenly slipped out into God's eternity without hope. All that I possess just for a moment of time. You can't buy time. Time comes, it waits for no man. Now is the accepted time. That's what God says. Now is the accepted time. That's the right time. to seek the Lord. When Saul, this Saul, it's interesting that there's a Saul in the Old Testament who began, I suppose we could say, well, ended badly. Then you have a Saul in the New Testament who began badly but ended well. Isn't there a contrast there? It's there for a reason. Because it sums up the testimonies of men and women, but maybe here. As he came to near death, This is what he said. How many people have followed in his footsteps? I have played the fool. I have played the fool. When the New Testament soul came to die, this is what he said. I have kept the faith. I'm ready to go. One died as a fool. The other died in the faith. There's a contrast in life, there's a contrast in death, there's a contrast in eternity. I have played the fool. Is that applicable to you? I have kept the faith. Are these words relevant to you and your experience? So here we have this first thought, Saul's negative search. He searched for something, but he couldn't find what he was searching for. Apply that on the gospel. There's gospel content here, you see. Then the second thing is Saul's necessary step. He that is a servant, in verse six, said, Behold now, there's a man of God in this city. Do you see that in verse six? And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man, all that he saith cometh to pass. Now let us go hither, perhaps he can show us our way that we should go. So here we find his servant, he had more sense than Saul had, and he spoke to him about a place, this city, Ramah, that's where Samuel lived, a person, a man of God, Samuel of course, the possibility perventure he can show us our way. So he spoke to Saul about a man who could help them find what they were looking for. Is there gospel content here? Are you thinking about it now? Do you see it? This is a wonderful book, you know. Everything dovetails together. So the servant exhorted him to behold a man. Does that not sound familiar in the light of the New Testament? Remember, What Pontius Pilate said to the crowd who gathered, what did he say? Listen to it. You would think that he was reading from 1 Samuel chapter 9. When he said Jesus before them, what did he say? He said, behold the man. There's a man before you can change your life. Behold. the man, and the spirit, even in this, points us to Christ. Behold ye, man, the one who can solve your problems, the one who can give to you eternal life and joy and the fullness of his blessing, who can meet you at the point of your need. He's the one that you ought to be searching for. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. Saul didn't seem to know who Samuel was. I find that hard to take in because Gibeah, where Saul lived, was about five miles away from Ramah, where Samuel lived. That's unbelievable. Now if there was a famous preacher living five miles from you and Omer here, you would know all about him. You would probably meet him at some point of time. But here's a man five miles away from this renowned prophet of God. that the country respected fully, and he didn't know that he existed. He never even bothered seeking him out, just like the scribes at Bethlehem and the wise men came. They were able to search the scripture, and they discovered, well, he's to be born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem was only about five, six miles away from Jerusalem, and they wouldn't even take the bother to travel that distance to investigate the story. They had no interest to see you at all. Maybe you're here tonight, and really, maybe you've been pressurized to come, or maybe you promised someone to come to church, and I'm glad to see you here tonight. I appreciate you've been here. God bless you for coming. But let me tell you the truth. I speak to you as one who is a burden for the souls of men and women. You may not like what you're hearing, but this is what you need to hear. And at the end of the day, I'm your best friend for telling you the truth. Listen to it carefully. Listen to it carefully. God is speaking to you. So how could he live five miles away from a great spiritual leader in the land of Israel? So he's a farmer. He wasn't really concerned with these things. I suppose he may be settled for spiritual matters, but really, I don't want to get personally involved. I let other people go and busy themselves about these important issues, but I have too many things to do. He didn't make knowing the Lord a vital part of his life. Then said Saul in verse nine, but, there's a but, but, but, but, immediately he raised an objection. And in verse 9, the servant gave more good advice. Come and let us go to the seer. Now Saul took heed, and in verse 10, then said Saul, well said, come, let us go. So he's taking a step in the right direction. Do you see that now? First of all, he says no. But the servant is persistent. Maybe like an evangelist or maybe someone in your home is being consistent and persistent with inviting you and bringing the gospel to you. And you're beginning to see things like, you're beginning to see the light. He's beginning to see the light now. He's taking a step in the right direction. Do you see that? And they set off to the place where they could find the man of God. And we're told in verse 11, they went up the hill. Let me apply that in the gospel now. You will find him as you climb the hill of Calvary." Saul is still moving in the right direction. So he's come to this city. He's informed about this man, the one who can solve their problems. And you've got to climb the hill to get to where he is. Saul is moving in the right direction. And then we're told, when the evening was come, the day was far spent. When they reached the gates of Ramah, the maidens were going out to draw water, and they needed more guidance, so they asked the maidens. So he's getting guidance a little at a time, he's taking a step at a time, he's moving in the right direction, God is beginning to work in his heart. And then these maidens, in the providence of God, they suddenly appear at the gate of the city, and this is what they said, as the seer here, And they answered, he is, verse 12. That was good news. And they went on to say, he is before you, or straight ahead. In other words, keep on going, you're moving in the right direction. And then they also added, make haste now, verse 12. In other words, don't waste time. Maybe a number of years ago you would have sat in a church like this. People have witnessed to you. Circumstances have been maybe against you. And you're a little bit more open to the gospel now. And in a sense, you've been taking a step in the right direction. And in the providence of God, you're found here tonight. And the seer is before you, the prophet, the great prophet is before you. Just keep going in the right direction. Don't waste time. And it says in verse 13, ye shall straightway find him. So keep going in the direction you're going, and you'll surely find him. He's before you now. Just a few more steps to go. Even the time of Saul's arrival at the city was providential, for Samuel appeared just as they entered the city. I found this amazing when I began to study this. The Lord met the widow of Nain. At the gate of the city, she was about to bury her son. Had it been a few moments longer, the Lord would have missed the funeral, and the young boy would have been carried down to the cemetery and buried. But in the providence of God, just at the gate, with that broken-hearted woman, the Lord made her the point of her name at the gate of the city. It was providential. And we're told here that Samuel was going up to a high place outside the city to offer a sacrifice. There was no central sanctuary in Israel at that particular point of time. The people brought their sacrifices to the altar that was dedicated to God and located on a hill near the city. So they were informed. that he was coming today to the city because there is a sacrifice. The man they needed is associated with a sacrifice offered on the hill outside the city wall, outside the city gate. And the message of the cross, let me tell you, is the only hope for sinners. You may go to heaven without health and wealth and fame and learning and works, but you can't get to heaven without Christ. Spurgeon once said, morality will keep you out of prison. Only the blood of Christ will keep you out of heaven. Many, many years ago, I'm not sure how many years ago, but six lives were lost when a plane crashed into a mountain in Pennsylvania. Near a 60-foot stainless steel cross, it was a marker for the Methodist training center in that area. And normally it would be lit up, but the lights were not on that night. At the time, they were off. And the child of God is like a light set on a hill. a city set on a hill cannot be hid, to shine the glorious gospel news out, to warn men to flee from wrath, but if the light of the Christian testimony is not shining, men and women all around us are perishing in their sin. It's the cross, it's the light of the cross that sees, that warns, and tells men of the great need to repent and trust in Christ. And then after receiving all this information, he's moving in the right direction. And then in verse seven, Saul discovered he had nothing to bring. We don't have any food. And it was a custom in those times when he went to the seer, known as the priest or as a prophet, you took him something as a gift. So in verse seven, he discovers that I've nothing to give. Nothing in my hand I bring simply to thy cross. I claim. He felt his need at this time. He felt unready to come to the man of God. His way of approach was made by another, his servant, his friend. His peace of mind was secured by the payment of a fourth part of a shekel of silver that was looked upon as a redemption money. So he had nothing to give. But thank God for the one who stepped in and made the payment, if you like. The redemption price then was taken and over to Samuel the prophet. Someone took his place. That's the message of the gospel substitution. Men and women, let me say respectfully to you, there's nothing in us that can commend us to the grace of God. It comes freely to us as a mercy, as a grace, as a token of grace to undeserving sinners. It comes free of charge to us. But of course, God's Son has precious atoning blood to redeem us. Here's the message of substitution. He interposed, he intervened, and he offered his life's blood, the price of redemption, to redeem us. So his negative search, his necessary step, he took the step in the right direction. Are you listening tonight? Can you hear the voice of God speaking to your soul? I've got to come to an end, the third point. Saul's new standing. Do you see that? Verse 16, thou shalt anoint him, this is the word of God to Samuel, thou shalt anoint him to be captain of my people. When Samuel saw Saul, the same shall reign over my people. The Lord identified him. The Lord had given Samuel a word in the ear the day before. When you see that man, he's the one I want to be anointed to be my king. The same shall reign over my people. He shall reign over my people. It's clear that Saul did not know Samuel for he asked, where's the seer's house? Where's the seer's house? Notice the providence of God in this story. The servant just happened to have a silver coin to bring to the seer. It just so happened that they met the maidens who gave them further information. It just happened that they arrived at the gate at the same time as Samuel arrived at the gate. God so arranged that Samuel was looking for Saul because God gave him a word in the ear to anoint this man. And Saul was seeking for Samuel. Isn't that the way it is? We seek Him because He seeks us. That's the reason why we seek and we love him, because he first loved us. Here's a wonderful truth. Do you see it? Are you listening? Are you taking it on board? Here's a message for you tonight. He's looking for you, just the way the shepherd went out into the wilderness looking for the lost sheep, just the way the woman looked in the house for the lost silver. But you know in the story of the prodigal son, The father was waiting at home, waiting for the boy to come. Oh, the father's waiting tonight for you to come. Will you come? Will you seek him tonight? Will you call upon the Lord's name? And so we can see this. And we're told that Saul drew near to Samuel. He's getting closer to the man of God, verse 18. And then something more. The man of God, Samuel, invited him to a feast. In verse 19, he says, you shall eat with me today. Oh, here's a gracious invitation. Here's the message. The gospel invitation, the gospel feast. He says, come for all things are now ready. The sacrifice has been offered. The blood has been shed. Mercy is offered. But all you have to do is come. Here's the invitation. Gospel truth here in this insignificant event. And we're told in verse 24, Saul did eat with Samuel. And after the feast was over, Saul returned with Samuel to his house and revealed unto him the will of God for his life. And then Samuel said to Saul, In verse 20, set not thy mind on them, that's the asses, for they are found. In other words, don't worry anymore. All is well. And the word brought peace to his heart. Early the next morning, here in verse 26, it's in the term, the spring of the day, or the rising of the day, or the dawn, or spring of the day. What's that? What does that say to us? It was the beginning of a new day. He had been given the invitation. He had accepted the invitation to sit down and eat. There was Samuel. And now we see the next day, it's a new day for Saul. It's a new beginning. It was a new day for Saul. Samuel accompanied Saul and the servants to the edge of the city. He sent the servants on ahead. Then he anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. So how could Saul be sure that God had really chosen him? With this, I'm coming to a close now. Samuel gave Saul three signs. that he would encounter as he made his way home. The first thing, he would meet two men who would tell him that the lost donkeys or asses had been found. This experience assured him that God could solve his problems. Now you might think, oh, what you've said is all right. I believe that, but how can I keep it? I know my own heart. I couldn't keep this. I want to say to you tonight, if you trust in Jesus Christ, whatever problems you face, whatever problems you have, thank God he can solve your problems. When Saul was dining with Samuel, God was recovering the lost animals. He can solve your problems when you trust in him. Oh, I can't give up smoking. I can't give up drinking. I can't give up the drugs, whatever. I can't give up going to parties or whatever. Ah, yes, you can, by God's grace. I'm looking into the faces of people that I've known for years, and some of you have heard testifying. You weren't always interested in church, but now you are, because all things are possible with God. So the second sign would take place at the Oak of Tabor, where he would meet three pilgrims going to Bethel. Chapter 10, verse 3. They would give him two of the three loaves that they had. Now, what was the Lord showing to Saul? Here's another thing. You give me your rightful place. Give me your rightful place in your life. I'm going to supply all of your needs. Because as the king, the new king, the first king of Israel, he would have to provide an army. He would have to provide food and sustenance for the army. He had to gather together. And God was showing him, not only could he solve all of his problems, but he would meet them at the point of his need. And you don't need to trust your own devices. God will give you the grace you need to do what you have to do to break with the world and sin and live for God and take a stand. with your friends and family and neighbors. I know, I can speak from experience, I've done it myself. He would need to depend on the Lord. So you trust in Christ, you've got to depend on the Lord. And the third saying had to do with spiritual power. Saul, according to chapter 10, verses five and six, Saul would meet a band of prophets returning from worshiping. And the Spirit of God would come upon Saul and he would join the prophets in their worship. In this saying, God told Saul that he could give the power he needed for service. Now, when Saul turned from Samuel to start the journey home, God gave him, according to verse 9 of chapter 10, another heart. Now, don't read into this the New Testament teaching of regeneration into the statement at all. It doesn't refer to that. Rather, it refers to a change of attitude and outlook. The young farmer could not think or act like a leader, but would now think like a leader and a guide and a king whose responsibility was to obey God. So Saul left home as a farmer's son. and returned home as the first king of Israel, a new standing. And that's what we have in Jesus Christ, a new standing with God. He returned a changed man. Everything changes when God intervenes in a life. And these experiences should have taught him to trust in God and taught him that God will take care of his needs and solve his problems if he would only trust and obey. One more thing I wear at Saul, and that was to meet Samuel at Gilgal at a time that would be shown to him. That would be a test to see if Saul was truly devoted to the Lord and willing to obey orders. Unfortunately, he failed. I don't think Saul, this Saul, I don't think he made it to heaven. Oh, his attitude may have changed, His outlook may have changed for the benefit of ruling over the people of God as the king of the land, but I don't believe that his heart was changed by grace. A man can go so far in religion and never reach heaven. He died like a fool. Would you die like a fool? Here's a man who in his life, he had a negative search. He was searching for something but couldn't find it. Here's a man who took the necessary step. He took a step in the right direction, took advice, took counsel. And here's a man with a new standing, first king of Israel. There's therefore gospel in this insignificant event. You may not attach any importance to you been here tonight, But God has brought you for a purpose, to challenge you again. Seek the Lord while he may be found. Call upon him while he is near. Repent. Trust in him tonight. He can solve that problem. He can meet you at the point of your need. And he can give you the power to live as a Christian for the glory of God. Think now. I'm going to pray in a moment. Think as I pray. If God has touched your heart, right there where you're seated, cry, God, be merciful to me, the sinner. Challenge is given. Listen. He's knocking upon your heart, so listen. He's knocking. Will you come? May God bless His word to all our hearts. I will bow for prayer. I'll not be going to the door, but if anyone desires to speak to a minister, I'm here. Mr. Mercer, no doubt, will be back again tonight at some point. Some of the elders. Don't go away. Seek him. I'll be in the back if you need to see me. We'll pray. Father in heaven, we've heard thy word tonight. We believe that in the quietness the Lord has been speaking. Work on in the hearts of those who have heard it. And may thy great name be magnified, the kingdom of God extend it. And even tonight, may the angels in heaven have cause to rejoice. over someone here repenting, believing the gospel, or maybe some who've grown cold at heart, they have lost their way, even though. May they return home, you standing with God the Father, through God the Son, by the power of God the Spirit. Dismiss us with thy blessing tonight, then thy fear take us to homes in safety, And with the blessing of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, rest and abide upon all of God's believing people, now and forevermore. And everybody say it. Amen.