Saul

By Elliot Ritzema

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-2, 1 Samuel 9:17-19, 1 Samuel 9:26-27, 1 Samuel 10:1-10, 1 Samuel 10:17-24, 1 Samuel 15:1-29, 1 Samuel 15:34-35

Too often I hear news of leaders, in the church or outside, misusing their positions of authority. Every time, I want to ask, “How did it get to this point? What could have prevented this?” In some cases, investigative news stories or podcasts emerge that give a fuller picture of the story. While details vary, one element is always present: self-deception. Leaders deceive themselves into thinking what they are doing is not wrong or is excusable, and others deceive themselves into thinking the leader’s conduct is justified. When we deceive ourselves, we really are saying that we don’t want to know the whole truth because it might threaten what is really important to us.

The story of Saul, the first king of Israel, is a story of self-deception. Even though the people of Israel had rejected God and requested a king like the surrounding nations, God was gracious and gave them a ruler who could have been a different kind of king—one who depended on God for guidance and security. Saul is described as a physically impressive man, one willing to follow the word of God as given to him by the prophet Samuel. However, Saul did not turn out to be that kind of king. His hearing was always a little selective—sometimes following Samuel’s instructions and sometimes bending the rules to fit what he thought was best.

Saul’s double-mindedness and double-speak came to a head in 1 Samuel 15. While he attacked the Amalekites, he did not fully destroy them as God had commanded. Saul then deceived himself into believing that he had done what was required, greeting Samuel with the words, “I have carried out the LORD’s instructions” (1Samuel 15:13). When confronted with evidence that he in fact did not do as God has said, Saul deflected blame (v.15). Samuel asked, “Although you once considered yourself unimportant, haven’t you become the leader of the tribes of Israel?” (v.17). Saul had forgotten God’s anointing and made himself big, still insisting, “But I did obey the LORD!” (v. 20). Samuel didn’t buy it, responding, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (v. 22). And most condemning of all, God rejected Saul as king.

I think Saul’s story is a warning to all of us. How do we deceive ourselves into believing that God is interested in success on the world’s terms? Are a well-spoken and physically attractive leader, a growing church or business, or money pouring in sure signs of His favor? Over time, Saul became more like the kings of the nations, often paying lip service to the worship of God then turning to act out of his own self-interest. And like Saul, some of these may actually be monuments we’ve erected to ourselves.

We can deceive ourselves into looking to outward appearances for salvation from perceived enemies. We can also deceive ourselves into believing we are serving God while we build monuments that will not last. God, save us from self-deception and humbly return us to You.

Written by Elliot Ritzema