The King Men Want, The King God Gives?

(1 Sam. 10:17-19, 9:1-2, 10:20-26)

Seeking a human king meant rejecting God’s leadership. (1 Sam. 8:7, 10:19)

Characteristics of Saul

He was from the smallest tribe, and a humble family (1 Sam. 9:21)

Yet, he was also the son of a respected father (1 Sam 9:1)

He was the tallest in Israel (1 Sam. 9:2)

He was handsome (1 Sam. 9:2)

He was humble/fearful? (1 Sam. 9:16 & 21, 10:22)

He was unique (1 Sam. 10:24)

He was not seeking leadership (Was actually seeking lost donkeys!) (1 Sam 9:1-5) (Like we discussed
last week, he was going about his everyday business when God chose to intrude upon his life!)

He came seeking guidance from a “Man of God” (but got more than he was expecting!) (1 Sam. 9:6-
19)

He was anointed/chosen by God (1 Sam 10:1) (see also: Deut. 17:15) God’s rules concerning a king
are found at Deut. 17:14-20

He was transformed by the Holy Spirit/Given a new heart (1 Sam.10:6-10) (see also: Jer 24:7
Eze.11:19, 36:26, 1 Cor 5:17)

Like Abram (Gen:17) changed to Abraham, made a man with a purpose, a man trusting in
God’s promise

Like Jacob (Gen. 32) changed to Israel, made a man of courage, prayer, a man trusting in
God’s power

Like Isaiah (Isa. 6:1-7) cleansed and made a mouthpiece for God, a man with a mission from
God

Like Simon (hearer) (Matt. 16) changed to Peter (rock) a strong and bold disciple, led by the
Spirit to proclaim the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ

Like another Saul (Acts 9) changed to Paul, likewise a strong and bold disciple, led by the
Spirit to proclaim the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ, to Jew and Gentile

He prophesied, as a sign that God was with him (1 Sam. 10:6, 10-12) (see also: Num. 11)

He recognized that it was the Lord who delivered Israel from the Ammonites and not him (1 Sam.
11:13)
 As with many Christians, Saul’s initial devotion to and trust in God was strong, but over time it
waned.

As a result, in time, God’s Spirit departed from Saul (or vice versa) (1 Sam. 28:15)

God’s choice not approved/trusted by all men (1 Sam. 10:27)

But he did not denounce them nor seek vengeance against them, but instead exercised grace and
humility towards them (1 Sam. 10:27, 11:13)

Valiant men were inspired by God, to support His choice (1 Sam. 10:26)

Back to Mizpah, place of the Ebenezer “stone of help”

When Jesus came as the “King of the Jews,” He was no Saul. He did not have a striking appearance, the sort
which people find attractive.
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For
He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no
stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be
attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not
esteem Him (Isaiah 53:1-3).
His followers, and even His closest disciples, wanted Jesus to be a king like Saul. But Jesus did not come to
cast off Roman rule, but to give His life as a ransom for many. He came to a sinful world, to bears the penalty
of wicked men, so that they might have their sins forgiven and become the adopted sons of God. Jesus is the
kind of king many reject today. They would like a king who is more like Saul. Saul was God’s first king, and
in the beginning he was a good king. But there is really only one great king, that being Jesus, who, though
divine, humbled himself to born as a man, lived a sinless life, was crucified for our sins, was raised from the
dead on the third day and who now sits at the right hand of Our Father in heaven. This is the king God has
given us and the king whose return we anxiously await.