Samuel had told Saul that God had rejected him as king. But Saul was still on the throne. Samuel was human, and seeing the king he had anointed spiral downward caused him to grieve. Even worse, God sent him to anoint Israel’s NEXT king, which Saul would no doubt see as treason. But, a bit reluctantly, Samuel once again listened to God.

• God’s command created a risk for Samuel. Centuries later, the apostles, told to stop talking about Jesus, told the Jerusalem authorities, “It’s up to you to determine whether it’s right before God to obey you rather than God. As for us, we can’t stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Have you ever had to risk, if not your life, then a promotion, a job or a valued friendship in order to obey God? Were you—are you—willing to take that risk if necessary?
• At the same time, God directed Samuel to a course of action that limited his risk. He did not need to shout, “I’m here to anoint a new king!” At times well-meaning Christians almost seek out opposition or persecution. When have you seen (or been) a person who faithfully lived out the faith without creating needless offense or opposition?