December 20: Saul

[Read 1 Samuel 9-10]

“We want a king like our neighbors!”

“We want someone to fight our battles!”

“Waaaa!”

The grumbling, disagreeable children of God had no idea the hornet’s nest they stirred by their demands. They could only see the positives of monarchy. Who isn’t impressed and amazed by the pomp and circumstance of royalty? There is nothing so beautiful than the colors in a bejeweled tiara and nothing so awe-inspiring than the precision of the royal guard.

God had provided them a holy government, with Himself at the head. Just and true were His laws and his council. But that government didn’t impress the neighbors nor the Israelites, unfortunately!

They wanted what they wanted and so they paid the price. There’s a saying in corporate America: Everyone gets promoted to their level of incompetence. So it was with Saul. He looked the part and started off well, but success didn’t last long. Impatience with God led to military defeats, the cancer of deep jealousy, and an unfortunate demise.

We are like the Israelites, aren’t we? Dissatisfied with God’s leadership, we search for something more to our tastes. But God knows better than we do. He sent us the perfect King, who didn’t look the part nor make himself of royal reputation. Jesus removed His heavenly regal robes for human flesh, and on the cross defeated every enemy. What better King could we hope for? 

Pastor Nancy Bontempo
Friends Community – Sturgeon Bay


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