Page 34 - C016_David2_TheKing

Lessons from King Saul

Saul was the first king of Israel and began leading around 1050 B.C. Even though he
started out with immeasurable blessings he did not follow God’s plan and suffered greatly
for it. Saul was literally tall, dark, and handsome. He came from a wealthy family and he
was chosen by God as the first king of Israel to lead the scattered twelve tribes of Israel (I
Samuel 9:1).

The people of Israel pleaded for a king. This displeased the prophet Samuel, but God
granted their request, all the while stating they were rejecting God himself as their king (1
Samuel 8:6–8). God instructed Samuel to anoint a king as the people had asked, but also
to “warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them” (1 Samuel
8:9).

During the time of Saul’s reign there was constant warfare with the neighboring Philis-
tines. This gave occasion for the introduction and rise of David, who was chosen by God
to replace King Saul. Saul disregarded Samuel’s instructions about a ceremonial offering
and the killing of King Agag and the Amalekites. These acts of disobedience were all key
to Saul’s downfall and eventual replacement as king by David. Until he died in battle, Saul
was allowed to remain king, but he was plagued by an evil spirit that tormented him and
brought about waves of depression and madness (1 Samuel 16:14–23).

There are some important things we can learn from Saul’s life:

One. Obedience is key. We must have a heart for obedience to be successful in doing God’s
work. Even though Saul was God’s chosen instrument as the first king, he did not make
God-honoring decisions. He could not be trusted to be an instrument to carry out God’s
will.

Two. We would be foolish to misuse the blessings,
power and position God has given us. Saul’s earlier
humility was later replaced by pride and a refusal to
trust in God. Pride can creep into our hearts when
people serve and honor us. We must never forget
that God is the one who is ultimately in control and
that he alone is sovereign over all.

Three. Lead as God instructs. One of the best les-
sons in godly leadership is found in I Peter 5:2–10
where the apostle Peter instructs pastors to, “Be
shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care,
serving as overseers - not because you must, but be-
cause you are willing, as God wants you to be; not
greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it
over those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock.” Wherever God calls us to lead, if we fol-
low this instruction, we will honor him and achieve
his purposes.
32
32