What can we learn from the story of King Saul?
King Saul was the first king of Israel and Judah. The bible also adds that God was the one that chose him to be king. After he was chosen, the high priest - Samuel, did a physical demonstration by pouring oil on his head. It was not just any oil, but a special one because the direction was from God.
When Samuel told Saul about God's intention for him to be king, his reaction showed his modesty. Let's see this in the book of 1 Samuel 9: 21,
And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou to me after this manner? - ASV
Saul questions showed the inclinations of his heart. He felt he was not qualified, that he was from a low background. But God does not look at what people look, he looks at the heart. He saw the good in Saul's heart and wanted him to lead. The bible goes further to tell us that Saul was a handsome and tall man, taller than his contemporaries.
When Saul started ruling, his rulership over Israel and Judah was a very fine one. He was well respected amidst the Israelites. But what changed about him?
After a while ruling as king, he became immodest. During difficult situations when the philitines were about attacking Israel and some Israelites fleeing, he carried out actions that were not permitted by God. Samuel - the high priest had not arrived on time in a meeting he had with Saul. So Saul grew so impatient, he must have thought that he needed to do something to prove his power. He then performed actions that were reserved for the high priest.
When Samuel saw what he had done, he counseled him. But Saul was not willing to accept correction, he tried to prove his point. After a little while he disobeyed God's instructions again. The once modest king wasn't displaying humility anymore. Samuel still counseled him again. The popular saying, obedience is better than sacrifice, was part of Samuel's counsel to Saul. But this time around Samuel also brought message of God's judgement to Saul.
Despite Saul started as a modest king, his disobedience to God's words made him lost everything. He lost his kingship, and even faced calamity as a result of his actions.
What can we learn from this story?
Once saved is not always saved.
From Samuel's words to Saul, we learn that Obedience is better than Sacrifice - It is better to obey than to beg for forgiveness after deliberately disobeying.
Due to imperfect we may err, but would you take corrections when corrected? We learn how important it is to remain modest.
Power could influence a person's thinking. So we need to continue check our faith.
What do you learn from this story? :)
We are seeing this story play itself out in western society now. Nobody willing to take direction, no obedience, no patience, lack of humility. Eventually our kingdom will be taken from us - and the meek shall inherit the Earth.
Excellent post Brother Jaff8 - as always.
SIRKNIGHT
Thanks SK. We live in really perilous times similar to that of ancient servants of God. People need to go through bible stories and see what they can learn from it.
The meek inheriting the earth looks like our only hope right now.
Once you have erred it is absolutely necessary to come back to God
God is always faithful to forgive us
There is no need whatsoever to keep doing things our way when God has already given us directives
Nice one mate and thanks for sharing
Happy sunday
This is true. We have to learn from previous mistakes. As imperfect humans it is only but normal to make mistakes.
I think the fundamental problem that king saul had was that he could not identify the fact that he was moving away from the glory of God and as such was supposed to run back to his creator.
This is one of the basic attributes and trait that all christians should aspire for, a zeal, yearn and hunger to go back to God after we have offended him. Because the good Lord is merciful and just, he will surely hear our plight and answer us.
Thanks bro for this
Thanks for that point. Returning to God after we err is important. We have to avoid repetitive sin in our day.
We shouldn't count our privileges as our rights.
Nothing should be taken for granted.
Lastly, don't bite the hand that fed you due to over familiarity
King Saul was obedient at the beginning but when he got into the position of power he allowed it take over him beliving he was the one in control and he forgot that it was God that put him there.
This story is common to many people in position of power. Before they attain that position they potray a meek a lowly nature but as soon as they get into the position of authority they allow the power that was given to them to take over them
It is indeed a common problem in the world today. People let power control, instead of the other way around. I like the way you tied the story to current world conditions.
Fine points you raised Druids. The inclination of our hearts matters a lot.
What ever position we acquire in life, we should always be humble, humility matters a lot, there's a saying:pride comes before a fall, King Saul was humble in the beginning but he allowed the Hunger for power destroy his humility.
I learnt humility.... Saul became proud after he became King
Yes it is better to obey than to make sacrifices that we think are right but are not. Beautiful message brother
King Saul drifted away from God just as many others did, even David a man after God's own heart did drift from God but the difference between them was that David was always quick to repent. King Solomon as wise as he was still drifted away from God and I just believe that it is the imperfection of men that causes all these