The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

CHOOSING SAUL RATHER THAN GOD

The book of 1 Chronicles includes the genealogy of Saul, Israel’s first king. Saul came to power when the elders of Israel demanded that Samuel, the Lord’s man in leadership, appoint a king to lead them like the other nations. Samuel resisted, but the Lord instructed him to carry out their request — noting that asking for a national king was a rejection of God, not of Samuel (1Sa 8:1 – 9). From the nation’s founding, the people had the opportunity to serve God as their true king. Yet arrogance, impatience and envy caused Israel to believe the Lord’s kingship was insufficient. Saul reigned forty-two years (1Sa 13:1), but his eventual rebellion against God led to a bitter end (1Ch 10:13 – 14).

With the appearance of Jesus, Israel and the world once again have the opportunity to serve God as their king. Humankind is limited and corrupt, but God knows all things and always does what is right. He is the ultimate, all-sufficient King. Those who believe in Jesus become more than subjects in God’s kingdom — they become his sons and daughters (Jn 1:12).

Jesus, so often I am distracted by the world and want to do things its way. In these moments, help me to follow only you, for only you can lead me to the kingdom of heaven. Amen.