Saul: Farmer, Warrior, King...
King Saul coming from the field from behind the oxen... I have always loved picturing this. Now, at this point the people hadn't really accepted him as their king, but God had already had Samuel annoint Saul as king.
You notice I didn't mention savior in the above list? Under Saul's leadership and direction, Israel was delivered from the Ammonites. But, Saul gives credit to God when in verse 13 he says, "No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has brought deliverance to Israel." The LORD has brought deliverance. It is always and only the LORD who delivers. It is necessary to remember that.
When Samuel first annointed Saul as their king, not everyone was ready to accept him as their king. But, having proved his worthiness of the position in battle, they are now ready to renew the kingship.
It is an unfortunate reality of life, that often in order to be accepted we have to do something really outstanding. Our works need to be some really in your face stuff in order for our gifts to be recognized as beneficial. After all, if we're not beneficial to others, will they accept us? Unfortunately, again, not usually. Seems often we have personal ulterior motives for following someone or even letting them into our lives and unlike God we insist they prove themselves before we can accept them.
May God help us to learn to be more like Jesus - opening our arms to those He sends into our lives no matter who they might be. Help us to not judge whether they are worthy of our love, but to learn to love as unconditionally as God loves us.
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