Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 9:17-27

“Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” And he went on. “But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God.”” (1 Samuel 9:27)

What an applicable word for us today. We’re always in such a hurry. Things to do. People to please. Tasks to check off. No doubt, this was how Saul felt. He and his servant had been on a frustrating hunt for his father’s donkeys. The journey had become complex and tiring. Those foolish donkeys! They must have set Saul back a few days. He wanted to go home, get back to his routine, and get on with life.

But lo! — on his way out, the prophet Samuel stopped him. Again? Another delay? Samuel told the servant to go on ahead for there was an announcement of the Word of God for Saul to hear. Saul was in no position to argue. So the servant went on as instructed while Saul waited to hear what the prophet had to announce. Little did Saul know that the prophet’s announcement would change his life forever and be the single most important word over his life. The announcement: Saul would become the first king of Israel.

The application may seem abstract, but there is something for us here, too, Beloved — some wonderful truths to implant to our souls.

First, do not be in such a hurry in life that you pass by what the Lord wants to announce to you in His Word. There’s too much at stake. What are you missing out on when you choose to go on ahead, rather than stand and hear the Word of God? Therefore, stand still. Stay awhile. Be alone with God and His Word each day to hear what it is He seeks to teach you. Each announcement from the Word is life-changing!

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)

Second, realize the announcement of God's Word for you is urgent indeed! Samuel told Saul, "Stand here now.” Now! Don't put off and go on. Remain with the Lord and hear Him as often as possible. As Christ fled to the mountain to pray to the Father, even after grueling hours of ministry, so too must you cut away definitive time to crack open the pages of the Bible to hear from the King. Read the Word, heed the Word, and feed on the Word! Whatever urgent tasks are before you, the announcement of God's Word to you is more urgent still.

“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice…” (Hebrews 3:7)

Third, recognize that God's Word is especially for you. Beloved, God has an announcement for you each and every day you need to hear. For you! It may be a word of encouragement to lift you or a word of rebuke to challenge you; a word of loving compassion to cheer you or a word of loving discipline to keep you on course. It is by the Word of God that the Holy Spirit refines your heart and transforms you. God's Word for you today may be the single most important announcement of your life.

Don’t miss it.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)