The Appointed King

“Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the Lord at Mizpah and said to them, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.” But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your disasters and calamities. And you have said, ‘No, appoint a king over us.’ So now present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans.’ When Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri’s clan was taken. Finally Saul son of Kish was taken. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. So they inquired further of the Lord, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the Lord said, ‘Yes, he has hidden himself among the supplies.’ They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.’ Then the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’ Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord. Then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their own homes. Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. But some scoundrels said, ‘How can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.”—1 Samuel 10:17–27 (NIV) Here’s something to consider when reading through today’s Scripture: The Israelite’s rejected God as their King and then demanded God appoint a king over them. So, the Israelites display a lack of trust in God by rejecting Him as their King, yet they trust God to appoint an earthly king over them. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. It’s a bit of a conundrum. Let’s look at some highlights of God’s leadership over the Israelites:

• He appointed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
• He delivered them out of their slavery in Egypt.
• He parted the Red Sea and made a way for them to escape their pursuers. 
• He led them through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire.
• He provided manna on a daily basis and provided water out of the rock.
• He met with Moses on Mount Sinai and gave him the 10 commandments to instruct the people.
• He went before them in battle with giants to possess the land of Canaan.

Not an exhaustive list by any means, but certainly an impressive one. It’s understandable when God responds to the Israelite’s demand for a new king by saying, “But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your disasters and calamities.” Despite this deeply personal rejection, God grants their demand for an earthly king by appointing Saul. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of Saul’s kingship:

• He disobeys the Word of the Lord spoken through Samuel by offering the burnt offering before the appointed time.
• He makes a rash oath that would claim the life of his son Jonathan if he were to uphold it.
• He disobeys the Word of the Lord by sparing the best of the plunder and the king of the Amorites.
• He cowers before Goliath and allows David to fight in his place.
• He becomes jealous of David and becomes obsessed with killing him.
• He slaughters the priests because they provided shelter for David and his men.
• He consults a witch to speak with the dead.

Perhaps more of a list of lowlights rather than highlights. Ask yourself this question when comparing these lists: “Who would I rather have leading me?” It’s a no-brainer, but so often we find ourselves in the same conundrum the Israelites were in.  We say we love and trust God, but then fail to make Him King of our hearts and lives. We might not make a demand for a king, but we might put too much trust in elected officials, celebrities, loved ones, or even ourselves. Consider the track records of any of the above and then compare that to God’s leadership. Thankfully, God always has a plan despite our unruly hearts and demands. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords and He will never fail to lead you well. So, cast your vote for Christ and allow Him to be King of your heart, your mind, and your life. Pause: Take time to consider how much trust you have in each of the following: God, yourself, others. Practice: Pray over the areas where you lack trust in God. Just as the Israelites demanded an earthly king to be appointed over them, ask that Jesus would become the appointed King in place of anything or anyone that has taken that place in your heart, mind, and/or life. Pray: Father God, forgive me for the times I reject Your lordship over my life. Jesus, I invite You to take Your rightful place as Lord of my heart, my mind, and my life. I love You. Thank You for Your perfect leadership. Amen.