Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 1 Samuel 10:26
God went to extraordinary lengths to provide Saul with all the resources he needed to be an excellent king. First, there was the prophetic word from Samuel, “The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person” (verse 6) which accompanied numerous signs (verses 2-5).
Then there was the confirmation by lot (verse 21) and the public acceptance (verse 24). In the above verse, we see that God also supported Saul with valiant men who would provide fellowship for him. God knows leadership is a lonely business.
Saul’s kingship starts well with a successful routing of the Ammonites and Saul’s acknowledgment of the Lord, “… for this day the Lord has rescued Israel” (11:13).
However, there’s no reaction from Saul regarding his kingly appointment—no surprise and sadly no prayer. Such a significant privilege as Saul was the first king of Israel but there’s no response to God—no gratitude, no commitment to God’s commands, no amazement that God chose him, like there was for David. David was keenly aware of all God had provided for him (2 Samuel 7:18-29).
How easy it is to take God’s provision for granted and how dangerous it becomes when we do. Saul became presumptuous (1 Samuel 13:9) which ultimately led to his downfall.
God has provided communion (Lord’s Supper/Eucharist) as a regular opportunity for us to remember all God has done for us. As we partake in eating and drinking, we remember that our forgiveness, our freedom from sin, our renewal of relationship, cost God dearly—his only son.
Let’s never take his provision for granted.
