Both
David and Saul were sinners. David, however, reacted very differently over his
sin than Saul. David eventually fell upon his face before God and confessed his
sin (see Psalm 51). David pleaded to
God’s mercy and compassion. He repented and asked God to wash away all his
iniquity and cleanse him from his sin. David knew that a sin against man was a
sin against God because mankind was made in God’s image and likeness. David
accepted the blame for his sin. He also accepted and suffered the consequences
of his sin. There are consequences for sin, but God’s love remains. God did not
stop loving David nor did He remove His covenant promise to David.
Sinner from Birth
David knew
that he was sinful from the time his mother conceived him -- like all of
humanity. David’s plea to God was “Create
in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from
your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your
salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Then I will teach
transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:10-13 David
knew God in a deep and abiding way. He understood His compassion, mercy and
forgiveness. He also knew of God’s ability to create a new heart and spirit within
him. David learned through his egregious sins that going against God’s will and
ways lead us to make bad decisions. David knew through his deep relationship
with God that he could plead to God’s grace, love and forgiveness even before
God’s grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ had come into the world. God does
not change.
Saul Blames Others and
Makes Excuses for His Sin
Saul, on the
other hand, blamed others and made excuses for his sins. (see 1 Samuel 13: 11-14) He never fully repented of his sins. Saul
was concerned about his image also. (see
1 Samuel 15:21-30) Saul started out being led by God but spiraled downward
out of control and out of favor with God. He changed from one who honored God
to one who rebelled against God. God had given Saul a “changed heart” (1 Samuel 10:1) and the “Spirit of God came upon him” (1 Samuel 10:6) after he was anointed
by Samuel. Saul’s disobedience, however, hardened his heart so the Spirit of
the Lord departed Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. (see 1 Samuel 16:14-15)
Anointed
Both David and
Saul were anointed by God to be king over His people. God gave Samuel
permission to anoint Saul as king but also told Samuel to warn the people of
what their choice for king would do to them. Saul was anointed by Samuel with a
“flask of oil,” (small amount) but David was anointed with a “horn of oil”(larger amount). The Spirit of God came upon David in
power. (see 1 Samuel 16:13) A horn
symbolizes authority and/or the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately,
soon God’s people would experience some of the evils through Saul about which
God through Samuel had warned them. God knows our hearts and our end from our
beginning.
Leaders -- Prepared and
Not Prepared
Even though
Saul was the people’s choice for king not God’s, God would equip and use Saul
for his purpose. When a person is made ruler over a nation, they are to set
their hearts outside of themselves and concentrate on what benefits all the
people. Selfishness and self-will must go. Arrogance and pride must go.
Boasting must go. God’s people will learn a lesson through their decision to
insist that Saul be made king over them. The Israelites were in rebellion
against God when they made this decision. Rebellion against God will cause them
to make a wrong decision. God had been preparing David to be king over His
people. Saul was unprepared. The people will see the difference in due time.
At first Saul
wasn’t selfish and self-indulgent but he couldn’t hide his innermost being
forever. His true colors will be revealed at some point and the result will be
devastating. They will see that Saul is thin-skinned, full of fear, boastful,
jealous, angry, impulsive, revengeful, depressed and disobeyed God. In the end,
Saul is self-willed and without regard to God. Saul went his own way and
brought God’s people to the brink of ruin. Words and actions give us a clue to
someone’s character. The observation of others can also give us a clue. Saul’s
life could have turned out very differently had he obeyed God’s principles.
Going his own way brought destruction and death to himself and God’s people.
David was
God’s chosen one who would lead His people as King. David showed God that he
cared about others because he was caring for his father’s sheep and protecting
them. In fighting off the lions and bears who wanted to steal, kill and destroy
his father’s sheep, David was being prepared for harder battles like taking on
the giant Philistine Goliath. David continued to serve others even Saul, and he
became a brave man and warrior who won many victories and restored most of the
land of Israel back to God’s people. (see
1 Samuel 16:18) David was successful in all that Saul sent him to do. (see 1 Samuel 18:5, 14) David inquired
of the Lord regularly. (see 1 Samuel
23:4) David was humble. Saul was trying to kill him, but David still called
Saul king and him Saul’s servant. (see 1
Samuel 26:18) David could have killed Saul three times but spared him. (see 1 Samuel 23:4) David loved his
enemy! He understood that he was not to touch God’s anointed one. God would
elevate David at His appointed time. David also had faithful followers
including Saul’s son Jonathan and his daughter Michal whom David married. Saul,
on the other hand, lost the respect of the people of Israel. (see 1 Samuel 22:8)
A Godly Leader
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is
under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you
are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve,
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that
will never fade away.
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are
older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves
therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast
all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing
firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are
undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:2-9
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