Saul was 30 years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel 42 years. 1 Samuel 13:1
“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command. 1 Samuel 13:13-14
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38
Two Kings
Saul was 30 when he became king, yet so reluctant to rule, at first he hid behind baggage. He chose 3000 men from Israel. Saul provoked his enemies, literally tooted his own horn to get the glory for his exploits. Later he plotted to kill David when his fame surpassed his own. Eventually his arrogance would lead him to lose his rule to David. God promised David that his reign would never end.
Jesus, a king incognito, was 30 when he began his ministry. He chose 12 apostles. Jesus insisted God be given the glory, when he cast out demons and healed the sick. At the end of his three year ministry, he rode intoJerusalem on a donkey. The crowds declared his praise, but the religious establishment sought the death of this Messiah they refused to acknowledge. Even a rolled away stone would testify to a risen Savior.
From the lineage of David, Jesus, fulfilled God’s prophecy. Saul’s kingdom did not endure. Christ’s kingdom endures forever.
I’m more like than Saul than Jesus. Consulting God sometimes, doing what feels right the rest of the time. Relying on my own strength for the “small stuff” which I never realize will snowball into big stuff. Eventually losing reign over my own little kingdom.
If King Saul can’t escape Samuel’s reprimand, what makes me think I can get away with entitlement befitting a princess? The Holy Spirit takes me to the woodshed repeatedly. Jesus took all the punishment for my sins on the cross, but I still need to put into action God’s saving work in my life, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. Phil 2:12 NLT
Father, forgive me, for most of the time I know not what I am doing.
yicareggie
Sixty-six books in a year 