I. The “Anointing” Saul Gave Samuel
There once was an anointing which turned out disappointing,
For disappointment was the ointment poured out by the king.
The moment it hit Samuel’s head, he surely felt the dread.
I’m sure tears soaked his happily-ever-after bed.
Because Saul, bound by strict law –
“Must start on time, without a flaw” –
Failed to appreciate the grace
Of the Lamb who took his place
To cover sin within the camp,
That God’s light might shine like a lamp
Onto his army to give them peace.
Sure victory God would release.
But Saul, who felt the time a-ticking,
Feared his men might take a licking
If he didn’t do the motions
Which accounted for devotions.
He did what he knew to be good
But didn’t trust God as he should,
And when God’s own prophet ran late
This king decided not to wait.
He did not do as planned
But took matters into his own hand
Because he didn’t understand.
His faith was built on sinking sand.
Up one moment, down the next.
This poor man found himself quite vexed
With fear and doubt and hesitation,
No assurance of salvation.
Though by the Spirit He did great works,
It seems this man enjoyed few perks.
For when God moved, he prophesied,
But in the truth did not abide.
II. The Ointment of Disappointment
Oh, can you feel the ointment
Of soul-wrenching disappointment
Poured out in such a shocking way
Upon Samuel’s head that day?
The Holy Spirit couldn’t stay
Because King Saul did not obey
But served the Lord in His own might
(Oh, what a frightful sight!)
You see, when flesh does the anointing,
it’s always disappointing.
That’s because flesh and blood cannot reveal Jesus to you,
And you can’t find Him sleeping in a pew.
All man-made anointing
Shows itself as disappointing,
Like every meaningless tradition
Cloaked in religious superstition.
Oh, how we wish they would anoint
Our each and every joint
With love and peace and joy!
Instead, they choose to annoy
Like some bratty girl or boy.
Perhaps the answer is, don’t put God in a box.
Appreciate His love for you, much stronger than an ox.
It will not fail to heal your fear and dread,
If you’ll grasp the fact that Christ died in your stead.
Though people leave you when you need them most,
Trust in His power and of His mercy boast.
(Based on the story in I Samuel chapter 13)
Signs, Wonders, Miracles 