by Rehema Jonathan | 16 December 2020 08:46 pm12
The first king of Israel, Saul, was not who anyone expected. At the time, Israel had no king. God had been their divine ruler, guiding them through prophets and judges. But the people grew discontent. They looked at the surrounding nations and saw powerful kings leading great armies. In their impatience and desire to be like other nations, they asked Samuel for a king (1 Samuel 8:5). Though this request grieved both Samuel and the Lord, God permitted it:
“And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Obey the voice of the people… for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.’”— 1 Samuel 8:7, ESV
And so, God chose Saul a man from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1-2). Outwardly, Saul was tall and handsome, but inwardly, he lacked confidence and boldness. When God called him, Saul did not see himself as capable:
“Samuel said, ‘Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.”
— 1 Samuel 15:17, ESV
This humility might seem admirable, but it bordered on fear and insecurity. Even when Samuel first anointed him as king, Saul hid among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22).
But here’s the key: God doesn’t call the qualified He qualifies the called.
When Samuel anointed Saul, he gave him a powerful prophecy:
“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.”— 1 Samuel 10:6, NIV
This transformation wasn’t just emotional it was spiritual. The Hebrew word used for “changed” implies a complete inner renewal. Saul wasn’t going to simply feel different he was going to become different. He would receive a new heart and a new disposition, made possible by the Spirit of God.
This reflects a major theological principle throughout Scripture: true transformation comes through the Spirit of God, not human strength.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
— Zechariah 4:6b, KJV
After Saul received the Spirit, the difference became evident. In 1 Samuel 11, when the Ammonites threatened Israel, Saul stepped up with courage and leadership that amazed everyone. He united the tribes, led them to victory, and saved Jabesh-Gilead. This was no longer the timid Saul this was a Spirit-empowered leader.
The people who had once despised him were now in awe:
“Then the people said to Samuel, ‘Who was it that asked, “Shall Saul reign over us?” Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.”
— 1 Samuel 11:12, NIV
Saul’s story illustrates a powerful truth: it takes the Holy Spirit to make someone a new person. Without Him, we remain limited, fearful, and spiritually weak. With Him, we are empowered to fulfill God’s purpose.
This is not only an Old Testament concept. In the New Testament, Paul describes the same reality:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV
This transformation is what Jesus called being “born again.” It’s not a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one a complete renewal of the heart and mind by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-6).
Peter gives us the answer on the Day of Pentecost:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
— Acts 2:38, NIV
Step 1: Repent Genuinely turn away from your sins and commit to God.
Step 2: Be baptized This outward act signifies the inward death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
Step 3: Receive the Holy Spirit God promises to give His Spirit to all who call upon Him in faith.
“This promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
— Acts 2:39, NIV
If you’ve been struggling with sin, weakness, or fear know this: you cannot overcome by your own strength. But the Holy Spirit can empower you to live a new life. Like Saul, you can be changed into a different person bold, strong, and equipped for God’s purpose.
The Holy Spirit is not a luxury He is a necessity.
If you’ve never repented, been baptized, or received the Spirit, today is your day. Surrender your heart to Jesus. Be baptized in His name. And ask God to fill you with His Spirit. When He does, you will begin to notice a real change your desires, your mindset, and your actions will begin to reflect His nature.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to walk in the power of His Spirit.
Shalom.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/12/16/you-will-be-transformed-into-another-person/
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