1 Samuel 9
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel 9
The Israelites’ demand of a king, regardless of God’s warning to them against doing so, produced Saul; the tall and handsome, bachelor-esque leader of the people. Even in spite of God’s consistent urge to not appoint a king, it was revealed to Samuel that God would use this ‘nation appointed king’ to “save my people from the hand of the Philistines” (v. 15).
Saul’s response was humble and gracious. “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way” (v. 21)? Saul considered it a humble honor to be recognized as a leader amongst the Israelites considering his heritage.
Humility matters. It mattered in the attitude of Saul whose response did not consist of, “Well it’s about time someone recognized” or, “Of course it’s me; who else could lead better?” When we come under the banner of the provision and sovereignty of God, there is no place for swagger or pride, for it is the will of the Lord that causes kings to rise and fall (Daniel 2:21). God appoints who He desires and for the purposes He desires. Our only response should be like that of Saul’s: “why me?” This is the kind of leadership God seeks.
Unfortunately, if you know the rest of the story, God’s warning about demanding a king comes into full demise as Saul eventually loses his humble posture before the Lord. Consistent humility matters.
As William Jenkyn has said: “Only a Christian of strong grace can bear the strong wine of commendation without the spiritual intoxication.”
May God continue to stir our hearts for humility. May we ever stay wholly dependent on Him who appoints seasons of leadership and authority. May we never get drunk on commendation, for when that happens, we end up doing reckless things.
Written By: Drew Dukes
The Israelites’ demand of a king, regardless of God’s warning to them against doing so, produced Saul; the tall and handsome, bachelor-esque leader of the people. Even in spite of God’s consistent urge to not appoint a king, it was revealed to Samuel that God would use this ‘nation appointed king’ to “save my people from the hand of the Philistines” (v. 15).
Saul’s response was humble and gracious. “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way” (v. 21)? Saul considered it a humble honor to be recognized as a leader amongst the Israelites considering his heritage.
Humility matters. It mattered in the attitude of Saul whose response did not consist of, “Well it’s about time someone recognized” or, “Of course it’s me; who else could lead better?” When we come under the banner of the provision and sovereignty of God, there is no place for swagger or pride, for it is the will of the Lord that causes kings to rise and fall (Daniel 2:21). God appoints who He desires and for the purposes He desires. Our only response should be like that of Saul’s: “why me?” This is the kind of leadership God seeks.
Unfortunately, if you know the rest of the story, God’s warning about demanding a king comes into full demise as Saul eventually loses his humble posture before the Lord. Consistent humility matters.
As William Jenkyn has said: “Only a Christian of strong grace can bear the strong wine of commendation without the spiritual intoxication.”
May God continue to stir our hearts for humility. May we ever stay wholly dependent on Him who appoints seasons of leadership and authority. May we never get drunk on commendation, for when that happens, we end up doing reckless things.
Written By: Drew Dukes
1 Comment
This is a good reminder of the importance of humility. I try to ask God to humble me everyday and encourage everyone to do it because God will surely answer that prayer. It's not always something I want, but something I desperately need.