Tuesday in Epiphany

15Verse 15. Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel, 16Verse 16. “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” 17Verse 17. When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.” 18Verse 18. Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” 19Verse 19. “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart. 20Verse 20. As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?” 21Verse 21. Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” 22Verse 22. Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited — about thirty in all. 23Verse 23. And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.” 24Verse 24. So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day. 25Verse 25. And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house. 26Verse 26. They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” So Saul got ready, and both he and Samuel went outside together. 27Verse 27. As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on. 1Verse 1. Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

1Verse 1. This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Verse 2. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3Verse 3. not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. 4Verse 4. An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. 5Verse 5. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God? 6Verse 6. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. 7Verse 7. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil. 8Verse 8. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. 9Verse 9. They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.