Another Heart

1Samuel 9:7

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?

Here is Saul expressing genuine concern about God and Samuel, the servant of God. Saul’s servant suggested that since they had come to the city of the prophet, it would be good for them to visit and inquire from the prophet so that he may show them the way. Saul, knowing the mark of a prophet did not want to go to the Prophet Samuel without a gift. 

By this expression, one can learn that Saul had a heart inclined towards God. He may not have been the best Jew in his day, but he had an inclination towards God. Although Saul had in his heart to bring a present to the man of God Samuel, there is no record as to whether they actually presented the fourth part of a shekel to the man of God Samuel.  

In God’s dealing with us, the inclination of the heart is very important. The orientation of our heart – is your heart set to please God, to give your all, that which you consider most important or most treasured possession to Him?

Like Abraham, God was not interested in the sacrifice of Isaac but in the heart of Abraham. Like Job, God was not interested in his suffering, the loss of his family and wealth but in his heart. Where is your heart placed? In what direction is the compass of your heart pointing to – to God and the things that pertain to Godliness or to the world and the things that pertain to worldliness?