Looking for a King from Zion

Psalm 62:5–12 CSB

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor. Place no trust in oppression or false hope in robbery. If wealth increases, don’t set your heart on it. God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to you, Lord. For you repay each according to his works.

What do we do when the people we look up to most in the faith fall short?

This is a question that I have had to ask myself several times. If you are like me you have had leaders in your life that you’ve looked up to. Men and women who in your eyes could do no wrong. Maybe they are parents or pastors or maybe Sunday school teachers or celebrities. You hold them up to this standard of excellence and then they prove themselves to be regular people with flaws and failures. It can be especially difficult when we see someone we look up to as a spiritual leader fall short because it feels almost as if our faith falls with them.

This topic is one that I am kinda sensitive about. I have had pastors and role models in my life that have hurt me very deeply. Sometimes it was because they had some kind of moral failure that affected me personally and sometimes it was because I had put them up to a level that wasn’t healthy for me to do . Their fault, my fault, either way it can be a difficult thing to process when it happens. How do I respond when the person I looked to as an example of how I should live doesn’t live up to my expectations? How can my faith recover from such a blow?

Saul was thirty years old when he began his reign in Israel. He would reign for the next 42 years. While he was serving as king Saul would end up going to war against the Philistines. Saul called his armies to meet him in Gilgal and when they arrived they found the Philistines were a far larger force than they anticipated. It says they had three thousand chariots, six thousand horseman, and troops as numerous as the sands on the seashore. Israel was so scared they began hiding in thickets, caves, some hid in wells and behind rocks, some even crossed back over the Jordan river into Gad and Gilead. Samuel was supposed to come and offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people before they went into battle, and so Saul waited seven days and when his men began to desert him Saul took matters into his own hands and sacrificed to the Lord in Samuel’s place.

Immediately after Saul did this, Samuel arrived at the camp. “What have you done?”

Saul knew better than to offer the sacrifice in Samuel’s place. Although he was king of Isreal he was not qualified to fill the role of priest. But Saul, rather than owning up to his mistake, blames it on Samuel. “If you hadn’t taken so long to come here I wouldn’t have had to do it. I was forced to do it”

This mistake of Saul’s comes from a mindset that if we were honest with ourselves we all struggle with. As Saul sat there day after day he began to think can I really trust that God’s way is the best way? And as the tension grew and his men grew more and more restless Saul comes to the conclusion that he will just take matters into his own hands. This kind of thinking is known as contempt.

What is contempt?

Contempt: The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn or disregard for something that should be taken into account.

Saul regards the Lord in contempt in his actions. He disregards what God has said and moves forward with his own plan thinking I’ll just ask for forgiveness later. He had no regard for the consequences of his actions and no regard for what God’s will might have been in that moment. So Samuel tells him this in verse 13-15

1 Samuel 13:13–14 CSB

Samuel said to Saul, “You have been foolish. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. It was at this time that the Lord would have permanently established your reign over Israel, but now your reign will not endure. The Lord has found a man after his own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over his people, because you have not done what the Lord commanded.”

Saul had scorn towards God’s heart, but God would rise up a king that would pursue the desires of God’s heart. This again plays into the central theme of the book of Samuel. God opposes the proud, and he exalts the humble.

Think about your walk with Christ. How often would you say that you think about what God would want you to do in a situation rather than what you want to do? We tend to think a lot like Saul. We say I don’t want to wait on God’s timing so I’m going to do it myself. Doing it the way God would have me feels awkward and difficult and doing it my way seems much easier. If we are honest, God’s will for our life is an afterthought or something reserved only for really big decisions as long as it fits in with our own plans for our lives. What would it look like if we lived as men and women after God’s own heart. What would it look like if we said our lives are not our own, we have been bought at a price (that price being Jesus’ death) and so I won’t live my life for myself but my life now exists to glorify God in everything I do? I’m gonna say that again because I think it is an important question to ask. If, because of what Christ has done, I now belong to Him. Meaning that this life which I once live for myself I now live for Him who for my sake died and rose again. If that is true, how does that influence every thought, every action, every word, every dream, every goal, every plan? For some it might mean answering the call to go overseas as a missionary, for some it might mean using our talents and abilities for His Kingdom, it might mean growing in our understanding of the word so that we can serve as Sunday school teachers. It might mean showing kindness and compassion towards others. It might mean being respectful and kind with our words rather than sarcastic and harsh. It might mean being a friend to someone that doesn’t have one or being generous with our time and money. It means asking God what He thinks you should do and then saying yes to whatever it is He is calling you to.

Israel was totally dependent on God for victory in this battle and Saul had just shrugged it off as if he could do it himself. How dependent were the Israelites on God for victory you ask? Well you see Israel had no blacksmiths. That seems like an important thing to have right? So why don’t they have any? Well the Philistines knew that Israel might try to fight them so they charged so little at their smithing shops that Israel just went to them for whatever they needed. Chapter thirteen closes by telling us Saul and his son Jonathan are the only two people in the entire Israelite army that have swords. Not a single sword or spear could be found in the hands of the soldiers.

Crazy right? How are the Israelites going to fight against this force? Well while Saul napped under a pomegranate tree his son Jonathan and his attendant snuck into a Philistine camp, and as they are going Jonathan says this, “There is nothing that can defeat the Lord. Lets go and do this knowing that if its God’s will He will protect us.” And as they go, almost like a bunch of meerkats, the Israelite army begins to poke their heads up out from their hiding spots. Jonathan calls for them to follow him, and one by one Jonathan goes through this field taking out each of the Philistine soldiers. Jonathan took out twenty-five men in a half acre field. A half-acre field is not that big of an area. Its like maybe the size of the grass field out here where we play kickball. But Jonathan showed incredible faith and the Lord delivered Israel despite Saul’s contempt.

1 Samuel 14:15–23 CSB

Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. Even the garrison and the raiding parties were terrified. The earth shook, and terror spread from God. When Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, they saw the panicking troops scattering in every direction. So Saul said to the troops with him, “Call the roll and determine who has left us.” They called the roll and saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were gone. Saul told Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God,” for it was with the Israelites at that time. While Saul spoke to the priest, the panic in the Philistine camp increased in intensity. So Saul said to the priest, “Stop what you’re doing.” Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there the Philistines were, fighting against each other in great confusion! There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle. So the Lord saved Israel that day. The battle extended beyond Beth-aven,

As the men tracked the Philistines back into the woods, Saul commanded that if any soldier eat before evening, before Saul could take vengeance against his enemies, they would be cursed. Pause for a second. Who does this victory belong to, God or Saul? Saul rushed the sacrifice and now he is putting harsh commands on the army causing them to get exhausted all so that he can get vengeance against the Philistines. By the time evening came the men are so worn out and exhausted they came back to all the animals the Philistines had left and they killed them and ate them raw on the ground. Eating animals with blood in it was against the Jewish dietary laws. Imagine the sight. Here are all these dirty tired men crowded around these animals as they eat them raw. What a sight. That doesn’t sound like a men’s ministry event I would ever want to go to. Jonathan also, not knowing the command Saul put on the people, used his staff to eat some honey on the ground violating the command of his father.

All these things came to together at a crossroads. Saul sought the Lord’s guidance to determine whether he should continue the attack or wait but the Lord did not answer. Saul confused as to why God does not answer asks why God will not answer. Is it because Jonathan and I have sinned or because the people have sinned? It was not the people who sinned. Okay was it me or Jonathan? Jonathan told his father that he had eaten honey and was willing to die for what he had done, and Saul the loving father he was, was ready to kill him. He said, may God punish me severely if you do not die. And the people watching are like, what’s wrong with you two? Does Jonathan need to die? He is the one that acted faithfully, trusted the Lord and led us to victory by God’s hand. So Jonathan was redeemed by the people and we are all left to sit back and wonder what is wrong with Saul? Here is this guy who is perfectly fit to be king. He’s tall, he’s strong, he’s handsome. But dude has some major character flaws. On the outside everything looks good but inside their is major sin in his life.

When we look at human leaders it is easy to put them up on a pedestal. We look at them as larger than life characters that will never make mistakes. Saul was that way. Here he is king of Israel. Anointed by God and chosen to lead God’s people. Yet here he is king of Israel, making mistake after mistake. David was no better. King of Israel, anointed by God yet he commits adultery and murder, he lies he deceives. Noah got drunk and cursed his son, Abraham rushed God’s promise and had a child with his slave, Moses had anger problems, almost every Biblical character we see in Scripture falls short at some point or another. Except for one. Spiritual leaders will all fall short when we put them in a place of authority and excellence achievable by only one person, Jesus. It’s a dangerous thing when we value opinions and perspectives rather than the truth of God’s word. Role models and pastors are helpful in our walk but they are no substitute for God Himself. There is only one person strong enough and faithful enough to exceed our expectations and be the perfect example of faith and that is Jesus. This is why Psalm 62 says common people are only a vapor and important people are an illusion. No person could ever compare to Christ. Jesus is the giver of hope, a rock and salvation, a stronghold, a refuge. There is nothing that can overcome Him. Human institutions can’t compete with that. For much of my life I have looked to human leaders to be my source of hope and to be my refuge, but they can’t defend me like God can. They are doomed to fail if I put them in that position.

Psalm 62:5–12 CSB

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor. Place no trust in oppression or false hope in robbery. If wealth increases, don’t set your heart on it. God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to you, Lord. For you repay each according to his works.

No one can do what God does, but that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t use us to lead and to serve others. What does a person need in order to be a good spiritual leader?

The Need for Humility

Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less. This is a characteristic that Saul had very little of. Humility makes the difference between great leaders and bad ones. It is important that leaders can recognize when they are wrong or when they have made a mistake. They aren’t selfish or self centered but care for others and consider the needs of others.

The Need for Accountability

When we become blind to the wrong we have done we need people who can see things for how they really are. Saul didn’t realize how terrible he was being. He needed men like Samuel to keep him accountable and to keep him from becoming a tyrant. Having an accountability system helps to prevent mistakes that would occur had there been no accountability. It provides opportunities for us to be open and honest, to authentically deal with what we are struggling with. Many major moral failures that happen in the lives of leaders come from a lack of accountability.

The Need for Grace

Leaders need to both distribute grace and receive it. A good leader is patient and kind towards the people they are leading. Their corrections are not critical or condemning but are constructive. Saul was not gracious towards his people. He put strict commands on his people and was quick to cast blame. Good leaders need to receive grace also. Just as Jonathan ate some of the honey without knowing what Saul had commanded sometimes leaders make mistakes. Humility, accountability, and grace work hand in hand. When accountability confronts a leader about something wrong, a good leader will humbly repent and seek forgiveness and try to make it right. Be gracious towards leaders as they grow and learn but don’t enable sinful leaders. Obviously we don’t want to entrust arrogant, critical people to a place of leadership in the church. This doesn’t mean you aren’t showing grace, but it does mean that you are protecting people from the hurt that comes from a bad leader. This is why Paul gives Timothy a long list of qualifications for people who want to lead in the church. Poor leaders can hinder people’s growth and hurt their faith.

The Need for Relationship

God desires relationship over ritual

Saul continues his contempt in chapter 15. Saul was commanded by God to destroy the Amelekites and everything they had because of the wickedness they had done and how they attacked Israel as they came out of Egypt. To kill all the people, all the animals, everything. God gave very clear instructions to Saul, but Saul only did in part what he was commanded to do. Saul killed all the people but kept the king as a prisoner, and rather than destroying all the animals Saul kept the best sheep, goats, cattle, and other choice animals.

1 Samuel 15:10–15 CSB

Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned away from following me and has not carried out my instructions.” So Samuel became angry and cried out to the Lord all night. Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but it was reported to Samuel, “Saul went to Carmel where he set up a monument for himself. Then he turned around and went down to Gilgal.” When Samuel came to him, Saul said, “May the Lord bless you. I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.” Samuel replied, “Then what is this sound of sheep, goats, and cattle I hear?” Saul answered, “The troops brought them from the Amalekites and spared the best sheep, goats, and cattle in order to offer a sacrifice to the Lord your God, but the rest we destroyed.”

Did God tell Saul to save some animals for a sacrifice?

1 Samuel 15:16–21 CSB

“Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” “Tell me,” he replied. Samuel continued, “Although you once considered yourself unimportant, haven’t you become the leader of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel and then sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go and completely destroy the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have annihilated them.’ So why didn’t you obey the Lord? Why did you rush on the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord’s sight?” “But I did obey the Lord!” Saul answered. “I went on the mission the Lord gave me: I brought back King Agag of Amalek, and I completely destroyed the Amalekites. The troops took sheep, goats, and cattle from the plunder—the best of what was set apart for destruction—to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.”

Samuel gives some important wisdom here in these next couple verses. When it comes to how we obey the Lord and how we worship Him, Samuel tells us that God cares far more about our hearts and about our obedience than He does about us going through the motions and doing sacrifices just for the sake of doing them.

1 Samuel 15:22–35 CSB

Then Samuel said: Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and defiance is like wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king. Saul answered Samuel, “I have sinned. I have transgressed the Lord’s command and your words. Because I was afraid of the people, I obeyed them. Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the Lord.” Samuel replied to Saul, “I will not return with you. Because you rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” When Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the corner of his robe, and it tore. Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingship of Israel away from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. Furthermore, the Eternal One of Israel does not lie or change his mind, for he is not man who changes his mind.” Saul said, “I have sinned. Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me so I can bow in worship to the Lord your God.” Then Samuel went back, following Saul, and Saul bowed down to the Lord. Samuel said, “Bring me King Agag of Amalek.” Agag came to him trembling, for he thought, “Certainly the bitterness of death has come.” Samuel declared: As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women. Then he hacked Agag to pieces before the Lord at Gilgal. Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. Even to the day of his death, Samuel never saw Saul again. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted he had made Saul king over Israel.

As much as Samuel didn’t want Israel to have a king it certainly broke his heart when Saul was rejected for what he had done. Everyone of us has a choice. We can choose to be obedient or disobedient. We can choose to grow in our relationship with God or to neglect it. We desperately need that relationship. Without it a leader will become burnt out, frustrated, and disobedient. Why do what is right if its all about doing it for the sake of doing it? But our relationship with Jesus is so much more than just doing things out of obligation. We serve others and do good works out of gratitude for what christ has done. Its the difference between doing work for your boss and doing it for your best friend. Doing God’s will is a lot more fun when you want to as opposed to when you have to.

The Need for Perspective

A good leader can’t lose sight of their position. Spiritual leaders are important in the church but they aren’t the head of the church. Jesus is the head of the church. Jesus is the one that gives direction and leads. Good leaders have their eyes fixed on God and are determined to follow wherever He leads. We don’t lead to bring ourselves glory but to bring God glory. That we might point others to Him so that they can grow and mature in Him not us.

How are you leading others?

Are you leading humbly?

Do you have accountability?

Do you show others grace?

Are you growing in your relationship with God?

Are your eyes fixed on putting Christ center in every decision?

These are all things you should consider. You may not see yourself as a leader, but somebody else does.