Week Four: There goes the Judge: Here comes the King --

Week Four: There goes the Judge: Here comes the King --

I Samuel 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 link to Bible

"What does it take to make a good leader? What kind of leadership inspires others to follow? Whether they are particularly intelligent, charismatic, or visionary, one essential characteristic of true leaders is that they are willing to lead from the front rather than push from the rear. King Saul's leadership record, like his mental health, was spotty---but for one shining moment, as related in 1 Samuel 11, he became exactly the leader he was called to be." (Cartledge, 2010)

                                                          Samuel Anoints Saul.

Saul started and ended poorly. He was an impressive young man who stood a head taller than all the other men around him. (1 Sam 9:2). Yet, when first called to serve as Israel's new king, he didn’t demonstrate very strong leadership characteristics. He was on an errand to find his donkeys and somehow even this proved to be too big a task for him. (1 Sam 9:4-9). First, he sought the advice of his servant. Later, he sought guidance from a seer or prophet. The seer turned out to be the prophet Samuel. With this first meeting, God opened Samuel’s eyes to see Saul as the first king of Israel. When Samuel planned to announce Saul as king, he couldn't even be found until they discovered him hiding in the baggage (1 Sam 10:21-23). Samuel announces to Saul that God’s Spirit would come upon him. He would be a changed person (1 Sam 10:6) and whatever he set his hand to do, God would be with him. This was a wonderful promise made to Saul. God changed Saul’s heart (1 Sam 10:9) and he was anointed by Samuel and chosen to be king. His heart was changed and he became a leader, but like all politics, not everyone was with him. (1 Sam 10:27).

Most of Saul’s life he was plagued by jealousy and insecurity. His deep-seated insecurity is one reason he became so obsessed with young David, the friend of his own son Jonathan. He feared David would steal his throne. He found himself with so little faith in God's protection and guidance, that he went to a witch seeking guidance and counseling. He had little discernment when it came to honoring the prophets. By taking Samuel's rightful role of intervening with prayer and sacrifice, he lost a good friend in Samuel, but worse, lost favor with Yahweh (1 Sam 13:7-9).

Saul is a good example in how a good man can become so insecure and so filled with self centered pride that he loses even the strengths he had possessed with from his youth.

But today's story is about Saul's one shining moment. In 1st Samuel, chapter 11, we can learn about some attributes of a spirit filled leader who does save the lives of many in his country. Saul was enraged when he heard the people wailing over the prospect of their enemies attacking and conquering them (1 Sam 11:6). He showed unusual cunning and military strength as he surrounded the enemy on three sides. Following his wise and courageous victory over the pagan nations who would have gouged out the eye of every Israelite man, Saul was crowned king. The people applauded him and brought "offerings of well-being" for the celebration. In fact, the troublemakers (1 Sam 10:27) who had opposed Saul earlier were to be put to death, but this was his finest hour and he showed grace as well as courage, the    

kind of leadership that engenders both admiration and loyalty. He said., "no one will be put to death this day, for today the Lord has brought deliverance to Israel." (1 Sam 11:13). It is sad that Saul could not maintain this level of integrity and strength of character, for in the end, he fell on his own sword to avoid the torture of his enemies. But for one shining moment he did excel as a spirit-filled leader.

For Reflection

Even though Saul was deeply involved in rescuing the people of Jabesh-gilead, he gave credit for the victory to God. Are you willing to give your time, efforts, or resources to help others, even if you don't get credit for it? Can you name any recent examples?