Last Wednesday in the youth group, we began taking a look at the life of King Saul. More specifically, how it was that he became king.

Saul was on a journey to find his father's lost donkeys, upon which he met Samuel, who told him that the donkeys had been found, and that he (Saul) was to become King over Israel. (1 Sam. 9:20; 10:1) Saul was perhaps not the most willing participant to begin with. He hid himself amongst the baggage and had to be brought out for the people to see. (1 Sam. 10:20-24)

As we heard from Mark 1 on Sunday, I couldn't help but make a connection between this point in Saul's life and the disciples who were called by Jesus. (Mark 1:16-20)

Simon and Andrew were busy fishing, but left their nets at once to follow Jesus. The same is true for James and John. These men were not being called to become king over Israel, but, like Saul, were chosen by God to serve him in a specific way that would require them to leave the task they had set out to do.

Unlike Saul, the response of the disciples was immediate. They did not hesitate to lay down their cares in this world. They did not hide from the opportunity to serve God, to follow Jesus. Of course, they did not always do this perfectly, but they were willing to do it without delay.

God has a unique plan for each of us and how He wants us to serve Him. Like Saul and the disciples, God's plan for us may require us to interrupt our plans. When this happens, we can question it, deny it and hide from it like Saul, or we can lean into it and embrace it like the disciples.

My hope this week is that we would be able to reflect on the joy that comes from serving willingly and without hesitation. That we can be thankful for the purpose God gives us in the work He has for us to do. And that we can lay aside whatever is necessary in order for us to follow Jesus.

-Nate