Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 31

Saul's Tragic Ending

The story of king Saul, the first king of Israel, is fascinating and disturbing. It is a story that started out so well, with Saul being chosen and anointed as Israel’s first king. In his early days as king, Saul lived an exemplary life of trust in God and obedience to God’s will and he was blessed with peace and prosperity. Saul began his kingly career with a number of advantages. He was from the right tribe, from a wealthy family, looked like a king, had access to God's word through Samuel, and was led by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, God used Samuel to give Saul specific instructions on how Saul should act. Saul had every opportunity to succeed.

He started out so well. Living a life of trust and obedience.  Until the day his heart began to be lifted up with pride and he began to seek his own will and his own comfort which resulted in restlessness, fear, and irrational thinking. He valued his own agenda over God's agenda. Saul had done foolishly, not obeying the commandments of the Lord. From that day on, it was just a matter of time for Saul.

In chapter 31, we read of Saul’s tragic ending. In the heat of battle with the Phillistines, Saul’s sons were struck down by the enemy, and he was badly wounded by an archer’s arrow. Even in this moment, we don’t read of Saul calling out to the Lord. No, instead we read of Saul taking his own life by falling on his sword. Saul and his sons were dead and Israel’s cities were occupied by enemy forces.

Saul’s life teaches us a critically important life lesson – trust and obey God from beginning to end. A life of arrogance, self will, and stubbornness will only lead us to destruction. God’s grace will eventually time out and judgment will set in like king Saul if we choose a life of pride and self-will.  It didn’t have to be this way for Saul. At any time, he could have repented and turned back to a life of trust and obedience, but his thirst for power stifled his ability to humble himself before the Lord.

Think of how this principle applies to you. How many advantages has God given you? How has God blessed you? Be careful not to take His blessings for granted. Stay committed to Him. Stay the course of a life of trust and obedience.

“Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!”

(Songwriters: Louisa M. R. Stead / John H. Sammis)