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? :)
