There is in This City
Today’s Verse:
And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. ~1 Samuel 9:6
A few years ago, I was preaching in the state of Virginia for a pastor friend. He took me to visit Mt. Vernon, which is famous as the place where George Washington lived and made his residence. That city is keenly identified with George Washington. This morning, we read of a city that was famous because in it lived a man of God named Samuel. The servant of Saul told him, “There is in this city a man of God.” Let us see why God places a high premium on godliness in our lives.
We see his classification.
“There is in this city a man of God.” There is the virtue of godliness. Not just any man, but a man of God. We see a man who is filled with God. His speech, his thoughts, his demeanor, and his representation point to the fact that he is God’s man. He is man who loves God and desires nothing more than to glorify Him. There is value in godliness. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
We see his consecration.
“He is an honourable man.” A godly man is an honest man. He is above reproach in all his dealings. He keeps his word, pays his bills on time, and speaks the truth. A godly man is a holy man. He is pure and clean. He is not a stumbling block to other people. He is a good and consistent witness for the Lord. He has a walk with God and demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit. He is a man who spends time in God’s Word and in prayer. Samuel was well-known as an honorable man.
We see his credibility.
“All that he saith cometh surely to pass.” He is reliable and faithful in his message. As stated earlier, he is truthful in his words and dealings. He is man whom people have 100% confidence and faith in. Saul’s servant told him that Samuel is verifiably consistent and accurate in his words. Samuel built up many years of goodwill from a consistent life and message. Churches that make a strong impact in their area are churches filled with godly people who are credible with their witness.
We see the counsel.
“Peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.” Saul and his servant were trying to find his father’s lost donkeys. They vainly tried to find them in their own power and failed. The servant knew that Samuel could be trusted to give them guidance and direction, even in an area that is not considered spiritual. Godly men know that they can find the answer for their life’s concerns from the Bible. They get their counsel from God. They go to God first, and not last. At the same time, people who approach them for counsel are steered in the right direction as well.
We see the call.
There is a great need for godly men. The most important notoriety for a city is that there are godly men in it who are known for their character, Christlikeness, and credibility.
Have a Christ-honoring God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 27-28