Ecclesiastes 3:1 teaches us a foundational truth which the Prophet Samuel learned in this season of his life. (For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.) For Samuel it was a season of mourning, a loss of someone he cared about very deeply, King Saul, his protégé and student, who was firmly rejected by Yahweh because of his lack of obedience and character which cost him the throne of Israel. 1 Samuel 16:1 starts us off with a valuable lesson we need to learn. It is very dangerous to occupy our time looking back when God is wanting us to move forward. Which teaches us another valuable lesson that God will never allow His work to die with the death or failure of a man. If it is God’s work, it goes beyond any man.

It is important to note that God's instruction was specific for Samuel to move forward – the intent was to consecrate the next King of Israel, this time chosen by God Himself to establish a lineage that would produce in the future the ultimate heir to the Throne of Israel, the King of Kings Jesus! 

There was also a specific instruction to use a Horn filled with oil, which symbolizes power, strength, protection, and security. This teaches us that the first king of Israel was anointed for the people. Saul, was the kind of king the people wanted for his looks and stature which tells us that we cannot judge a book by its cover, because the King chosen by the people failed and disqualified himself.  

Now, it was time for the LORD to show Israel the King chosen by His own hands. A young man unlike others of his time, a man after God's own heart. Not chosen for his looks or statue or even his nobility. But a man that had caught God's eye amongst many that may have appeared appropriate for the task at hand, because of his humbleness and valiant nature. 

This reveals something important about God’s character. He understands that mourning and sadness can become overwhelming. However, He encourages us to also recognize the opportunities for growth, renewal, and change. God had a plan in place for Israel, and that plan required moving on from past failures. Samuel needed to be reminded that even during his sadness, God’s purposes were still at work, and He was ready to guide Samuel into the next chapter of His divine mission.

    

Dear Heavenly Father,

Like Samuel we tend to always be looking back at life events and failures that have occupied too much of our time. Today You have taught us to move forward to the next chapter of our lives. Help us glean the value of lessons learned and experience acquired to apply it to our future endeavors. We pray for clarity so we don’t lean on our own understanding and in all our ways acknowledge You to direct our path in life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

It is through the difficult seasons and struggles of life that we learn to grow in strength and character. Let Samuel and King Saul's experience shape and form your life to the image of God's intended plan. Ponder on when it has been difficult to stand firm in faith and obedience. Meditate on Psalms 19:14 “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”