So God told Israel through the prophet Samuel that they could have a king like they wanted. They believed that this was the "answer" to all their problems. The new king solve all their difficulties and all would be honky dory!!! All Samuel had to do was go out and find the "Perfect King". God led Samuel to a man named Saul who would fit the bill perfectly.
A man by the name of Saul became their new and first king. (1 Samuel 9:1-2)
There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. 2 And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
THE PERFECT KING???
1 Samuel 9:1-4 Samuel began to look for just the right man to be Israel’s first king. God lead him to a man named Saul. 1 Samuel 9 describes the new king to be.
A. Facts about Saul’s daddy:
1. He was a man from the Tribe of Benjamin whose name was KISH.
2. Good family line—Ancestors and relatives.
3. He was a man of power and influence.—”A mighty man of power”.
He had money, land, family and influence.
B. Facts about Saul:
1. Choice: Only the best. 2. Handsome—The most handsome man in all of Israel.
3. He was Tall—Head and shoulders taller than all the Israelites.
Outwardly he would demand respect and people would be drawn to him. He LOOKED THE PART.
Notice what it does NOT say about Saul. No mention of his relationship and walk with God.
As you read the stories about Saul you begin to realize that he was very insecure and jealous. He had a fierce anger. He was reluctant to be the first king and was not crazy about the job. He was a weak military leader, putting himself before God. He did not look to God and ask for His help. In fact he disobeyed God more than once.
He was not a man that was after God’s own heart. For the most part he was a FAILURE as king. And yet he ruled for about 40 years before he and his son were killed in battle.
Then one day, God, through Samuel the prophet, had given him specific orders when he went out to battle and Saul disobeyed the Lord. He FAILED!!! (1 Samuel 15). Saul not only disobeyed God, but tried to cover it up and lied about it. He even blamed the people of Israel for his sin. (1 Samuel 15:21) God told Samuel that He now rejected Saul as king and someone else would become the new king. It would be “a man after His own heart.” 1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 1Samuel 13:14 That man would be a young shepherd boy named DAVID.
Why do we always want our own way and want to do our own thing instead of listening to the Lord and do things HIS WAY!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment