Good King Saul

Scripture: The people said to Samuel, "Who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death." Saul said, "There will not be a man put to death this day. For today the Lord has worked deliverance in Israel." ... "Now therefore, look at the king whom you have chosen and for whom you have asked! And see that the Lord has set a king over you. If you will fear the Lord, and serve Him, and obey His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king that reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then will the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against your fathers." 1 Samuel 11:12-13; 1 Samuel 12:13-15

Observation: Saul defeats the enemies and saves Israel, and proves himself not only a good commander but a wise and forgiving king by rejecting the idea that those who opposed him should die. Samuel then speaks about the issue of this king ... that God was the king of Israel whom they have now rejected and asked for an earthly king, and God has granted that request. However, the goodness of that king - and therefore their own success - remains based on their love and honor of the Lord.

We know that, as a people, they will fail. We know that Saul, as a king, will fail. But for today, Saul is a good king ... wise in his treatment of others, honoring of God for his victory, filled with the Spirit of God in his words and actions. There was in him the potential to be a good king. He could have remained spirit-lead while he honored God above himself, and thus by example lead the people to renew their honor of God as their true sovereign authority in their nation. He could have done this.

Application: I could do this, too. I could honor God, give him all glory and credit, forgiving my enemies while enacting God's will. I could in that way help others turn their faces to God and find faith and love. And sometimes I do these things ... at least in my heart. However, just as Saul will eventually turn to pride as his core principle which then triggers fear and jealousy and anger, I allow my pride to govern too much of my behavior.

Pride is the enemy, which is why humility is the truest sign of strength. I will know I am strong in the Lord when I fully allow myself to be humble in word and deed and action without fear for a negative result I cannot control.

Prayer: Lord, I seek humility today. I would ask for your strength and wisdom in this, as my heart can be too hard. I would prefer to interact through love and not anger, through mercy and not directives. May I hold your hand and walk with you, this and every day. Amen.