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:<\/p>\n
\n\u201c<\/strong>And the Lord said to Samuel, \u2018Obey the voice of the people… for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.\u2019\u201d\u2014 1 Samuel 8:7, ESV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSamuel said, \u2018Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.”
\u2014 1 Samuel 15:17, ESV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThis 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).<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the key: God doesn\u2019t call the qualified\u00a0 He qualifies the called.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Turning Point: The Spirit of the Lord<\/h3>\n
When Samuel anointed Saul, he gave him a powerful prophecy:<\/p>\n
\n\u201c<\/strong>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.\u201d\u2014 1 Samuel 10:6, NIV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This transformation wasn\u2019t just emotional\u00a0 it was spiritual. The Hebrew word used for \u201cchanged\u201d implies a complete inner renewal. Saul wasn\u2019t going to simply feel different\u00a0 \u00a0he was going to become<\/strong> different. He would receive a new heart and a new disposition, made possible by the Spirit of God.<\/p>\n
This reflects a major theological principle throughout Scripture: true transformation comes through the Spirit of God, not human strength<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNot by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.\u201d
\u2014 Zechariah 4:6b, KJV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nFrom Fear to Boldness<\/h3>\n
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\u00a0 this was a Spirit-empowered leader<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
The people who had once despised him were now in awe:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThen the people said to Samuel, \u2018Who was it that asked, \u201cShall Saul reign over us?\u201d Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.”
\u2014 1 Samuel 11:12, NIV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nSaul’s story illustrates a powerful truth: it takes the Holy Spirit to make someone a new person.<\/strong> Without Him, we remain limited, fearful, and spiritually weak. With Him, we are empowered to fulfill God\u2019s purpose.<\/p>\n
This is not only an Old Testament concept. In the New Testament, Paul describes the same reality:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.\u201d
\u2014 2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThis transformation is what Jesus called being \u201cborn again.\u201d<\/strong> It\u2019s not a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one\u00a0 a complete renewal of the heart and mind by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-6).<\/p>\n
How Does One Receive This Transformation?<\/h3>\n
Peter gives us the answer on the Day of Pentecost:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cRepent 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.\u201d
\u2014 Acts 2:38, NIV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nStep 1: Repent<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Genuinely turn away from your sins and commit to God.
Step 2: Be baptized<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0This outward act signifies the inward death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
Step 3: Receive the Holy Spirit<\/strong>\u00a0 God promises to give His Spirit to all who call upon Him in faith.<\/p>\n\n\u201cThis promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off\u2014for all whom the Lord our God will call.\u201d
\u2014 Acts 2:39, NIV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nDo You Want to Become a New Person?<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019ve been struggling with sin, weakness, or fear\u00a0 \u00a0know 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\u00a0 bold, strong, and equipped for God\u2019s purpose.<\/p>\n
The Holy Spirit is not a luxury He is a necessity.<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve 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\u00a0 your desires, your mindset, and your actions will begin to reflect His nature.<\/p>\n
\nMay the Lord bless you as you seek to walk in the power of His Spirit.<\/strong>
Shalom.<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n