A good start
by Glenn Crouch
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[Saul was] accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched (1 Samuel 10:26b).
Read 1 Samuel 10:17–27
Previously, I mentioned my reluctance to become a pastor. I realised the responsibilities involved, and they were not ones I wanted. I was comfortable being a youth worker and an occasional preacher. We don’t see any evidence of Saul desiring to be king. He did not ask for it – instead, we could say that it was thrust upon him.
In the passage today, we see Saul being publicly declared to be the king of Israel. Remember, this was not to replace Samuel, but to replace God himself. Yet, the Lord gives the people what they insist upon. But, as they narrow down the selection, Saul is not to be found. I can relate to Saul hiding from this responsibility. Think about all we’ve seen as we’ve followed Saul this week – he is not someone planning a dynasty. His reluctance to take the crown is the sort of quality we want in our leaders.
After Samuel reminds the people of the rights and duties of kingship, he gives them a written copy and sends them home. What probably seems weird is that in verse 26, Saul also goes home, which seems a tad anticlimactic. We also see that God has blessed Saul with the company of ‘valiant men whose hearts God has touched’ (verse 26). What a wonderful gift for the new king. As verse 27 shows, there is already trouble brewing.
The story of Saul starts well. I’m sure many readers will know how it proceeds (if not, then keep reading 1 Samuel). May we learn from Saul that it is good to be humble and dependent on the Lord, and to follow the Spirit as he leads us.
Pray for our leaders.
Father Almighty, grant us the gift of good leadership. Surround our leaders with those who give wise counsel and help them to stay humble. Burden my heart so that I keep all those who have authority over me in my prayers to you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Glenn is the pastor of St John’s Lutheran Church in Esperance and looks after St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kalgoorlie–Boulder, Western Australia. Glenn and Karen have been married since 1985. They have two grown sons and are enjoying regular video chats with their first grandchild.
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