Dr. Lawrence Butler

The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Donkeys are animals that don’t seem to get much love in our culture. They are strong and sturdy creatures that have carried heavy loads for man for thousands of years. They are not as obedient as horses, animals who will go where instructed by their masters unless they become spooked by some real or imagined danger. Donkeys process information differently and must think things through before obeying. 

There are several stories in the Bible where donkeys are important.

My thoughts today turn to the donkeys spoken of in I Samuel 9.

These animals belonged to a man of the tribe of Benjamin. The donkeys somehow strayed away from those responsible for their care and were lost. The owner sent his son, a man named Saul, with a servant to search for the straying animals.

For three days they hunted in vain.

Ultimately, they were found by other servants and returned to their home. The important thing here is that they played a role in revealing the will of God to Israel about their future.

The search for the donkeys led Saul to a meeting with the prophet Samuel. Happenstance, or divine intervention? What do you think?

Read the story and watch how several incidents simply come together to reveal God working in Saul’s heart and life. Saul and his servant happen to arrive at Ramah where Samuel shows up on the same day.

God had already revealed to Samuel He was sending a man to him who was to be anointed king (I Sam. 9:15). Saul refused to even go into the city without an offering for the Lord, and he had nothing. However, his servant had a little silver and offered that to Saul. When does a servant have silver and his master does not? When does that servant offer to give that to his boss?

After meeting Samuel, and being instructed to eat with him, Saul ultimately learns God has a calling for him and this was God’s way of delivering His message.

There are other details in this story which reveal the working of the Lord to bring Saul to the place God wanted him, and it all began with looking for those donkeys. My point in all this is, we often don’t see what God is working in our lives. He has a master plan, and seemingly irritants like lost animals, lost jobs, lost money or other major or minor life events may simply be the Lord working to bring you to the place He wants you. His intent is to bless if you will allow Him into your heart. 

Please read Jeremiah 29:11 and see what God is thinking!