There's Hope For TodaySample

At this point, the madness begins. The bright promise of the king who stood head and shoulders above his countrymen will never be realized. From this point, we trace the meanderings of a madman in kingly robes. Samuel has abandoned him. Insanity races within to consume his mind and cloud his judgments.

Never again will Saul know the comfort of God’s presence, nor the power of His prophetic word. His administration will flounder in incoherence. The glory days are past. Once-bright hope smolders in the wreckage of a life that could have been. His house will never throw off this mantle of tragedy. He is the subject of God’s regret.

He is a lesson for the ages. Because he did not consider the commandment of the Lord above his own desire for personal glory, he is abandoned. A dread disease would have been better. Sudden death on a field of battle may have softened his remembrance. Rather, Saul was left to rule, and to live, devoid of God’s presence. It is no wonder that David, who watched from afar, would plead with God after his own moral failure, “Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11).

Beware that you never lose the wonder; the power; the pleasure of God’s presence.