Saul’s long legs crossed the room in three strides. He turned, paced to the opposite wall, and returned again. “You’re sure it’s him?” he asked the soldier standing before him.

The guard frowned at the tense reception. “Ah, yes, sir. Abijah spotted him on the trail from Carmel. He has good eyes and knows Samuel’s walk.” More carefully, he added, “We thought you’d want to know right away, sir. He’ll be here soon …”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Saul dismissed him with a distracted wave, stared at nothing, and chewed a fingernail. Outside, shepherds organized flocks and herds under careful, appraising eyes. The best would be sacrificed, of course, but the very good remainder … Well, the men expected their right of plunder to be honored. Besides, taking care of Israel’s defenders made good sense for both morale and the economy. It was the wise and prudent thing to do. Samuel would understand good stewardship. Sandals slapped through the door.

“The Lord bless you!” he beamed to the visitor. “I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.”

But Samuel asked, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”

We know the story, but the question comes up: If God called His anointed king’s stewardship rebellion instead, what chance do we have to tell the difference?

We, enlightened, powerful, and wise, rarely worry about food and usually hold pestilence at bay. We select a job from many options and choose the mate who sparkles our eye. Start a business. Buy a car. Move to another city. Take a year off to find ourselves. Try a low-carb diet. Get an education to learn the secrets of the universe. We know why it rains, why grass grows, why bumblebees fly and stars shine. Matter, time, and energy bend ever more sharply to our will. Each mystery we conquer abolishes yet another of God’s hiding spaces, relegating Him to life’s remaining unknowns. Our mastery of life’s smorgasbord grows with each retreat of understanding’s limits until, finally, we believe that we actually do dominate it.

But despite our steady victory over ignorance, fear, and want, Jesus continues to counsel us that “apart from him, we can do nothing.” He makes it clear that dependence trumps knowledge, and obedience surpasses even good stewardship.

So, what’s He done lately to reminded you of Who’s really in control?

1 Samuel 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 8:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:2; John 15:5; Ephesians 3:14-19