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)
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