A Man After God's Heart

Men, Do you find yourself in hurry up mode. Have you ever found yourself waiting on God. What about when life starts to role. Do you keep with the Jones or do you wait on God? Hold that thought.

In biblical times, King David is often described as a man after God’s own heart, not because he was flawless but because he earnestly sought forgiveness and repentance. After a grave mistake, when confronted by the prophet Nathan, David didn’t make excuses—he fell to his knees and cried out to God for mercy. His authenticity in seeking a renewed relationship serves as a powerful illustration for modern fathers. Being a father after God’s own heart means demonstrating humility and vulnerability in asking for forgiveness and grace. This is actually a flash forward or and Easter Egg as it is called in the Breaking Bad Series!

The Heart of a King: Lessons from Saul's Failure

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13:10-14

Summary: In this passage, King Saul offers a burnt offering before a battle, exceeding his authority as king by acting as a priest. His impatience leads to God's rejection of him, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and waiting on His timing.

**Look at the passage Saul got in hurry up mode

Application: As disciples we must understand the importance of obedience to God and waiting for His guidance. It calls us to reflect on our actions and decisions, urging us to align our hearts with God's will rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Teaching: Breaking the habit of doing it our way teaches us that leadership and success in God's eyes is not merely about the position we hold, but about the condition of our heart. It highlights the consequences of disobedience and the necessity of faithfulness to God's commands.

**Saul was King…So glad Samuel was bold enough to speak the truth We need this message today. Some of us here today are the King or Queen of our life and it has to stop.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme of a heart aligned with God’s reveals how Christ embodies the perfect obedience and submission to the Father’s will. Unlike Saul, Jesus fulfilled His mission as the Anointed One, demonstrating true faithfulness to God’s plan.

Big Idea: God desires hearts that are fully submitted to Him rather than temporary success achieved through disobedience; true leadership is rooted in faithfulness to God’s commands.

Recommended Study: Challenge for the week, consider diving into the theological implications of Saul's failure in leadership and its contrast with David—a man after God’s own heart. Use your the resources you have to explore commentaries on 1 Samuel that discuss the historical context of Saul's actions and any textual variants that might impact interpretation. Additionally, review studies on the transition of kingship in Israel, emphasizing God’s criteria for true leadership.

1. Saul's Impulsive Sacrifice

1 Samuel 13:10-11

Look at Saul’s impatience, as he offers a necessary sacrifice without waiting for Samuel. This action reveals his lack of trust and submission to God's timing, teaching us the dangers of taking control in our spiritual lives. In moments when we face impatience, maybe we can learn from Christ who waited upon the Father’s timing in His mission.

2. Saul's Fearful Decisions

1 Samuel 13:12-13

Saul’s misguided justification for his disobedience—a fear of the circumstances leading to rash decisions. This teaches us the importance of faith over fear, reflecting the Christocentric lesson that Jesus trusted God even when faced with the cross. We must guard our hearts against making decisions out of fear.

3. Saul's Rejected Heart

1 Samuel 13:14

Finally, look at God’s rejection of Saul and the introduction of David, a man after God's own heart. This point contrasts Saul’s disobedience with the obedient heart God desires. You could relate this to Christ, whose heart was completely aligned with His Father’s will, guiding us in our pursuit of a heart that follows God.

If this is you God replace the Saul in you with Jesus. Remember the circle? Align yourself with God through Jesus, wait on him, He has. This.

Accept, Believe, Confess

The empty Baptistry