His rise to power was a humble one. From the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes and the least of the clans, God called him to be king of Israel (1 Sam. 9:21). He hardly had the confidence to stand before his people (1 Sam. 9:22). As his power grew, so did his conceit and grip on what he believed to be his kingdom. He worked to establish himself and his rule, driving himself crazy with jealousy and doubts of God’s faithfulness. Ultimately, the throne was taken from him and given to another.
His rise to power was a humble one. The youngest of seven brothers, he was apparently the easiest to forget (1 Sam. 17:11). By God’s choice, he was anointed king of Israel. He had the confidence in God to stand before a giant, and bring him down with a sling. As his power grew, so did his awe of the greatness of God and the grace he had been shown (2 Sam. 7:18). He longed for God to establish His kingdom. Ultimately, the throne was given to his Seed forever.
This is the story of two powerful men, exhibiting completely different responses to the grace of God upon their lives. How are our lives reflecting our response to God’s grace?
How easy it is to focus on what my own life means, what’s happening day to day, the responsibilities I have . . . but that sounds much more like the first example, which is not what I want!
To have my life rooted in the big picture, in the story God is telling—that’s what I want. Remembering whose story it is makes all the difference.
Great thoughts, Leah! Thanks for reminding me of God’s story this morning.
I thought of another difference between Saul and David: when confronted with sin, Saul become defensive and David was repentant. It has been painful to see some of these “Saulish” things in my own life, too, but comforting to reflect on what it means to be a beloved recipient of God’s extravagant grace.
“Whose story” says so much and seems to be the theme of all we are reading. Do I want to forcibly write my own or be a part of His? Well said, Erin! That’s something else to chew on.