WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.820 Thanks, Jamie. Good evening, everyone. My name is Alistair. I have the privilege of being on staff here at Brunsfield. 00:00:05.080 --> 00:00:12.400 And I thought it would be good because, again, we have such a long passage this evening to give you a little bit of an introduction into what we'll be thinking about 00:00:12.400 --> 00:00:20.859 and a little bit of heads up as Graham and Sabina come and read two chapters for us to keep us alert as God's word is being read to us. 00:00:21.339 --> 00:00:24.100 I thought I'd give you a few hints on what to look out for. 00:00:24.100 --> 00:00:31.400 So in chapter eight last week, Pete took us through how Israel have rejected Samuel as their ruler. 00:00:31.580 --> 00:00:39.539 They've rejected God as their king, and they're demanding a human king so that they can be like all the other nations around them. 00:00:40.159 --> 00:00:43.859 And Samuel said that this king will take, take and take from you. 00:00:44.020 --> 00:00:48.040 He will not necessarily be the best thing that you're asking for. 00:00:48.039 --> 00:00:57.479 And so as these chapters are read to us, I'd like you to look out for some encouragements of who this king is. 00:00:58.320 --> 00:01:01.280 And if you want, you can take little notes next to the verse. 00:01:01.379 --> 00:01:06.259 You can put a plus sign in your Bible or on another piece of paper if you don't want to write in your Bible. 00:01:06.259 --> 00:01:15.259 And then also think of or look for some of the warning signs as to is this really the king that the people of Israel want? 00:01:15.260 --> 00:01:21.020 So there are some really big encouragements, but there are also some really big warning signs. 00:01:21.100 --> 00:01:23.480 So keep your eyes out for those as we go through. 00:01:23.600 --> 00:01:27.620 And I'll hand over to Graham, who's just about to come and read 1 Samuel chapter nine to us. 00:01:33.360 --> 00:01:35.560 Let's pray together before we turn to God's word. 00:01:39.660 --> 00:01:44.219 Heavenly Father, we come before you and confess that you are all we've ever needed. 00:01:45.260 --> 00:01:48.760 And yet so often we look in other places. 00:01:49.400 --> 00:01:57.600 But Father, I pray that this evening as we look at your word, as we see your goodness, as we see your compassion, as we see your care for your people, 00:01:59.100 --> 00:02:02.300 that we would be able to say that you are all that we want. 00:02:03.280 --> 00:02:04.580 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:02:05.600 --> 00:02:05.960 Amen. 00:02:05.959 --> 00:02:06.059 Amen. 00:02:10.060 --> 00:02:15.199 I wonder how many of us actually know the person who is ruling over us. 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:19.060 How many of you really know the queen? 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:27.859 So I wonder out of the 28 monarchs that are currently in our world, how many people in their countries really know them as individuals? 00:02:27.860 --> 00:02:34.500 Does our queen, for example, like toast or cereal for breakfast? 00:02:35.500 --> 00:02:38.600 Does she watch Netflix or does she watch Amazon Prime? 00:02:40.480 --> 00:02:43.180 Does she like short crust or puff pastry? 00:02:43.280 --> 00:02:45.020 These are all important things to know. 00:02:45.020 --> 00:02:50.900 But the thing is that we don't really know much about our queen at all. 00:02:51.080 --> 00:02:55.680 And what we do know is given to us by the media or directly from the palace itself. 00:02:57.600 --> 00:03:00.060 But tonight we're going to be looking at a very different king. 00:03:00.060 --> 00:03:08.080 And there's something special about this king because he was appointed by God to rule over God's chosen people. 00:03:09.020 --> 00:03:14.680 And the question that I want us to think about this evening as we go through this sermon is, who is this king? 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:23.960 God gave instructions of how the king of Israel should act and live in Deuteronomy chapter 17. 00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:31.900 And just before we dive into 1 Samuel 9 and 10, I want to read Deuteronomy 17 verses 15 to 20. 00:03:31.980 --> 00:03:34.260 You don't have to turn there if you don't want to. 00:03:34.500 --> 00:03:38.860 Just to give us an insight into what God says a king should be like. 00:03:40.040 --> 00:03:43.500 So Deuteronomy 17 verse 15 to 20 say this. 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:48.460 Be sure to appoint over you a king that the Lord your God chooses. 00:03:49.719 --> 00:03:52.319 He must be from among your fellow Israelites. 00:03:52.319 --> 00:03:56.560 Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not an Israelite. 00:03:57.340 --> 00:04:05.180 The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them. 00:04:05.400 --> 00:04:08.819 For the Lord has told you, you are not to go back that way again. 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:13.900 He must not take many wives or his heart will be led astray. 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:18.420 He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. 00:04:18.420 --> 00:04:28.480 And when he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law taken from that of the Levitical priests. 00:04:28.900 --> 00:04:30.280 It is to be with him. 00:04:30.279 --> 00:04:37.479 And he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God. 00:04:37.979 --> 00:04:42.039 And follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees. 00:04:42.219 --> 00:04:46.799 And not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites. 00:04:47.259 --> 00:04:50.219 And turn from the law to the right or to the left. 00:04:50.220 --> 00:04:56.700 Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel. 00:04:58.280 --> 00:05:04.420 So as we look at 1 Samuel chapter 9 and 10 this evening, keep those instructions in the back of your mind. 00:05:05.080 --> 00:05:07.540 And ask yourself the question, who is this king? 00:05:07.840 --> 00:05:10.780 Does Saul fit these criteria? 00:05:10.779 --> 00:05:16.179 So the first thing that we see in our passage is the beginning of a king. 00:05:16.739 --> 00:05:19.519 1 Samuel chapter 9, the beginning of a king. 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:32.599 As I said at the start, at the beginning, at the end of chapter 8, sorry, we see the leaders of Israel asking for a king despite Samuel literally just telling them that this king was going to take. 00:05:33.099 --> 00:05:35.779 He was going to take and he was going to take. 00:05:36.959 --> 00:05:39.859 And so I'm left thinking, well, what is this king going to be like? 00:05:40.779 --> 00:05:41.819 Who is this king? 00:05:43.019 --> 00:05:45.939 And in chapter 9, we're introduced to a man called Saul. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:48.979 But he isn't really what you'd expect, is he? 00:05:50.019 --> 00:05:54.419 In verses 1 and 2, we're introduced to a nice, young, obedient man. 00:05:55.619 --> 00:05:57.259 Doesn't sound like he's a taker. 00:05:58.859 --> 00:06:00.959 Saul comes from a wealthy family. 00:06:01.099 --> 00:06:04.419 He's described as a handsome man and he is tall. 00:06:06.059 --> 00:06:08.919 And the word for handsome could also be translated as good. 00:06:08.920 --> 00:06:15.640 So not only is Saul put forward as this good looking, young, tall, obedient man. 00:06:16.780 --> 00:06:21.700 But verse 2 says that he is the best in the whole of Israel. 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:24.840 This young man is the top of the pile. 00:06:24.960 --> 00:06:28.120 He is the creme de la creme in the eyes of the world. 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:34.840 But then in verse 3, we get this strange little story about some missing donkeys. 00:06:35.639 --> 00:06:39.540 And how Saul and a servant are sent by his dad, Kish, to go and find them. 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:41.139 And what do we see in verse 4? 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:42.680 Saul obeys. 00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:48.560 Now this is a very different story from all of the other sons that we've seen in the book so far, isn't it? 00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:53.680 Because none of them have been obedient, but they've lived for their own gain. 00:06:53.819 --> 00:06:55.860 Something is different about this man. 00:06:56.040 --> 00:06:57.519 Something is different about Saul. 00:06:58.399 --> 00:07:00.959 This is the beginning of something new in Israel. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:04.360 And this is the first sign of encouragement for Saul. 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:11.699 At the end of chapter 8, we leave Israel and Samuel at the brink of a political revolution. 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:14.340 People are demanding a king. 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:15.620 Samuel's been rejected. 00:07:15.780 --> 00:07:17.100 Israel have rejected God. 00:07:17.199 --> 00:07:18.840 They want their human king. 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:24.400 And you can imagine the scene where Samuel's standing in the middle of the courtyard. 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:27.439 And people are rallied around him and they're chanting. 00:07:27.740 --> 00:07:28.540 What do we want? 00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:29.460 We want a king. 00:07:30.080 --> 00:07:31.060 When do we want him? 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:31.740 Now. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:31.860 Now. 00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:35.139 And amidst all this tension. 00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:38.240 Amidst this political unrest. 00:07:38.360 --> 00:07:44.660 The writer of 1 Samuel introduces us to a young man and tells us the story of some missing donkeys. 00:07:45.699 --> 00:07:46.300 Why? 00:07:47.620 --> 00:07:53.280 All of this seems so ordinary compared to the great things that are happening in the cities. 00:07:54.199 --> 00:07:57.480 And yet we're taken to a countryside story of some donkeys. 00:07:58.280 --> 00:07:59.960 I think there are two reasons why. 00:07:59.959 --> 00:08:05.819 Firstly, the writer introduces us to Saul now to show us his pedigree. 00:08:06.359 --> 00:08:09.379 He is exactly the kind of king that Israel wants. 00:08:09.719 --> 00:08:10.500 He's tall. 00:08:10.620 --> 00:08:11.159 He's handsome. 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:12.099 He's a good lad. 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:13.779 And he's obedient to his dad. 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:18.019 There is no one better than him in the whole of Israel. 00:08:18.179 --> 00:08:20.379 This is the king that you want on the throne. 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:28.420 But notice how in all of these introductory comments about Saul, not one thing is mentioned about his heart. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:35.659 Not one thing is mentioned about his desire to serve God or his devotion to God. 00:08:35.659 --> 00:08:41.480 These two chapters are bookended by Saul's physical attributes. 00:08:42.019 --> 00:08:43.839 And so I find myself thinking. 00:08:44.459 --> 00:08:47.120 Well, it's nice that he looks nice in the eyes of the world. 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:48.500 But how does God view him? 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:51.819 How does he stand before the ultimate king? 00:08:53.399 --> 00:08:54.480 Who is this king? 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:57.440 In the eyes of the world, he's perfect. 00:08:57.800 --> 00:08:59.080 He's the perfect king. 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:02.879 But God looks beyond what we can see. 00:09:03.700 --> 00:09:07.279 He looks into the very inner parts of a person's soul. 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:10.820 God is providing Israel with what they want. 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:12.379 He's giving them a king. 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:18.720 But he's going to make sure that everybody knows that God is still the one in control. 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:21.240 God has the ultimate authority. 00:09:22.820 --> 00:09:31.000 And the second reason I think this little account of ordinary events is given is to show that God's plan is worked out through the ordinary. 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:40.039 God makes thousands of ordinary events happen on a daily basis, all to accomplish his extraordinary will. 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:47.079 That person who just happened to be there on that day where you needed prayer and they prayed with you. 00:09:48.379 --> 00:09:54.399 That person who gave you a hug on a Sunday morning and went around to Costa and listened to your pain for hours. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:10:00.699 That Sunday school teacher who asked you the right question at the right time and pointed you to Jesus. 00:10:02.299 --> 00:10:07.319 That stay-at-home mom who has other moms around for coffees and tells them about Jesus. 00:10:08.879 --> 00:10:09.860 Ordinary events. 00:10:10.819 --> 00:10:12.480 But God works through the ordinary. 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:15.500 And we'll see that as we continue through these chapters. 00:10:17.079 --> 00:10:21.000 And so Saul and his servant, they go and they look around but no donkeys to be found. 00:10:22.120 --> 00:10:29.539 And in verse 6, the servant says that there is a man of God nearby who might be able to help them and say where the donkeys are. 00:10:29.539 --> 00:10:33.279 It's interesting, isn't it? 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:36.679 That it's the servant who suggests to go to hear the voice of God. 00:10:37.879 --> 00:10:38.759 Not Saul. 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:44.620 Surely the future king is the one who should know who Samuel is. 00:10:45.620 --> 00:10:47.039 Saul doesn't seem to have a clue. 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:52.919 He should be the one jumping at the opportunity to hear from God. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:56.779 And so again, we see little breadcrumbs. 00:10:58.099 --> 00:11:00.079 Maybe this won't end so well after all. 00:11:00.080 --> 00:11:06.240 Even in the beginning of this story, we see that it might not end well. 00:11:06.240 --> 00:11:13.000 And as they walk to the town, it just so happens that Samuel is coming out at the same time. 00:11:13.060 --> 00:11:13.860 Is that a coincidence? 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:15.500 Definitely not. 00:11:16.340 --> 00:11:17.019 Verse 15. 00:11:17.019 --> 00:11:20.059 God had revealed all of this to Samuel already. 00:11:21.220 --> 00:11:28.399 God told Samuel that he's sending Saul and that Saul is to be anointed as a ruler over God's people. 00:11:28.939 --> 00:11:29.259 Why? 00:11:30.539 --> 00:11:31.519 Verse 16. 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:35.740 Because I have, this is what God says, 00:11:36.100 --> 00:11:40.220 because I have looked on my people and their cry has reached me. 00:11:41.199 --> 00:11:42.519 That is astonishing. 00:11:42.519 --> 00:11:49.879 God is being so kind and loving to a people who have literally just rejected him. 00:11:51.319 --> 00:11:55.220 They've called for a man to take his place as king. 00:11:55.299 --> 00:11:57.019 They've turned their back on God. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:02.579 And yet God still has a heart for his people and he has heard their cry. 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:08.519 And instead of God punishing them for their rebellion, he shows compassion. 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:13.360 God is rich in mercy, even though he's been rejected. 00:12:15.199 --> 00:12:16.460 God is in control. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:22.659 And his good purposes for his people will not be thwarted by his people. 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:32.019 In verse 19, Samuel invites Saul to dinner and tells him that the donkeys were found three days ago. 00:12:32.019 --> 00:12:39.819 At the end of verse 20, we see Samuel hinting that Saul, hinting at Saul's new beginning as king. 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:41.279 He says, 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:46.679 To whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line? 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:51.240 Saul, you are the one these people are crying out for. 00:12:52.579 --> 00:12:55.259 You are the one that God has chosen to be king. 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:59.340 And doesn't Saul respond well in verse 21? 00:13:01.480 --> 00:13:02.580 I can't be king. 00:13:02.679 --> 00:13:03.259 I'm a nobody. 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:05.679 He's humble. 00:13:07.639 --> 00:13:12.000 So they go up together and eat and Saul is already treated like the king. 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:14.759 He's given a special piece of meat that was set aside for him. 00:13:14.819 --> 00:13:16.100 That was the custom of the day. 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:20.659 And he is seated at the head of the table, the place of honor and respect. 00:13:20.659 --> 00:13:25.899 This young lad who was looking for donkeys is now being treated like a king. 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:35.860 And in the morning, Samuel tells Saul to send his servant ahead because in verse 27, he has a message from God for him. 00:13:36.259 --> 00:13:39.000 Something new is just about to happen. 00:13:40.439 --> 00:13:41.600 Who is this king? 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:49.399 Here we see the beginning of a king and all of the events in this chapter seem so random and so ordinary. 00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:54.560 But all of these events are pointing to the truth that God is in control. 00:13:55.060 --> 00:13:59.399 And that nothing, not even his own people, will ever thwart his plan. 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:03.300 God is giving Israel what they want. 00:14:03.659 --> 00:14:09.660 But he is showing them through these string of events that he is still the one ruling over them. 00:14:11.600 --> 00:14:18.440 But God doesn't exercise this control like a puppet master in the sky, making everyone dance to his own music. 00:14:19.519 --> 00:14:28.460 But this is the control of an all-powerful, completely sovereign God who is infinite in wisdom and who is perfect in love. 00:14:30.519 --> 00:14:34.560 He is the all-powerful king who can make the best happen. 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:39.019 The all-compassionate king who wants the best for his children. 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:43.100 And the all-wise king who knows what's best for his people. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:46.699 This is the king that is control. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:49.019 And this is the king that Israel rejects. 00:14:51.319 --> 00:14:53.600 And this is the king who is in control today. 00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:55.079 But how often is he rejected? 00:14:57.600 --> 00:15:00.519 God gives his people the kind of king that they want. 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:03.299 But he makes sure that they know that he is still in control. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:05.379 God calls a man who looks the part. 00:15:06.019 --> 00:15:09.480 Maybe even sometimes acts the part and says the right things. 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:15.659 But it's only with God's preparing and anointing that this man becomes a somebody. 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:17.340 Without God, he is a nobody. 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:19.500 Who is this king? 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:21.819 Without God, he's nobody. 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:31.500 But with God and with God's anointing, this is the king who will govern God's people if he listens to God's word. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:38.200 God takes ordinary events and ordinary people and accomplishes his extraordinary will. 00:15:39.580 --> 00:15:41.500 Isn't that a privilege for us here this evening? 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:48.380 Isn't it such a privilege that God would see fit to use weak and broken people like you and me? 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:59.019 But let's not forget that there are also warning signs as well as encouragements as we go through this passage. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.439 Who is this king? 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:07.759 The second thing that we see in this passage is the confirming of a king in 1 Samuel chapter 10. 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.500 The confirming of a king. 00:16:10.960 --> 00:16:16.179 So right at the end of chapter 9, we see Samuel tell Saul that he wants to give him a message from God. 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:18.859 God is revealing his will to Saul. 00:16:20.099 --> 00:16:23.299 Samuel takes oil and anoints Saul. 00:16:24.319 --> 00:16:26.819 Setting him apart for a certain task. 00:16:27.799 --> 00:16:29.899 And in this case, it's to be a leader over Israel. 00:16:30.679 --> 00:16:36.339 Now, there are only two cases in the Bible so far that people or things have been anointed. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.919 So it is a pretty special event. 00:16:39.099 --> 00:16:42.559 And the only two cases are the priests and the tabernacle. 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:48.639 Both are people and things that are used in the worship and service of God. 00:16:50.479 --> 00:16:52.199 This is an important event. 00:16:52.479 --> 00:16:53.619 Saul is being set apart. 00:16:54.679 --> 00:16:59.919 And Samuel kisses Saul, showing respect and affection to God's new servant. 00:16:59.919 --> 00:17:06.619 And just in case there is any doubt in Saul's mind as to whether any of this is going to happen, 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:11.440 in verses 2 to 8, Samuel tells Saul three things that will happen. 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:16.279 And these are to be a confirmation that what Samuel has said is true 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:21.200 and that he has been appointed a king according to the will of God. 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:30.480 Sign number one, in verse 2, Saul will meet two men who will tell him that the donkeys have been found. 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:33.539 This isn't any new information for Saul. 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:37.059 But it points to the fact that God is in control. 00:17:38.340 --> 00:17:45.340 Sign number two, in verses 3 and 4, Saul is going to meet three men who are going to worship God with sacrifices. 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:50.119 And Samuel even knows exactly what they'll be carrying and exactly what they'll say. 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:58.000 And then sign number three, in verses 5 to 7, Saul will meet a group of prophets. 00:17:58.259 --> 00:18:04.740 And verse 6 says that the spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon him and he will prophesy. 00:18:07.119 --> 00:18:11.079 God is going to equip Saul for the task that lies before him. 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:17.079 And it will be confirmation that the Lord is with him. 00:18:18.419 --> 00:18:22.039 God's servant can do absolutely nothing by himself. 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:25.599 According to his own strength or ability. 00:18:26.119 --> 00:18:30.939 He must solely be reliant on the power and equipping of God Almighty. 00:18:33.019 --> 00:18:38.419 Three signs all showing that Saul is God's chosen king. 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:47.039 And in verse 8, Samuel tells Saul that he must go ahead of him and wait until Samuel comes to tell him what to do. 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:55.039 Now surely, as the anointed king of Israel, Saul is the one who has the ultimate authority. 00:18:56.320 --> 00:19:02.640 I mean, I wouldn't dare walk up to the queen, knock on the castle door and say hello and tell her how to do her job. 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:08.380 Or to presume that I know better than she does how to fulfill her duties as queen. 00:19:08.660 --> 00:19:14.200 So why does Samuel, why does Samuel think that Saul should wait on his instructions? 00:19:17.160 --> 00:19:23.880 Well, Saul is to wait because even the king of Israel is subject to the great high king, God himself. 00:19:23.880 --> 00:19:30.860 The king is to be marked by obedience to the will and word of God. 00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:38.560 God's king must wait on God's prophet to be given instruction on how to live according to the will and word of God. 00:19:40.780 --> 00:19:45.500 The spirit of God gives power and equips God's servant for the task ahead of him. 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:48.400 But Saul must be obedient. 00:19:48.400 --> 00:19:58.200 And this is something important to keep in the back of our minds because this is exactly the thing that starts Saul's downfall later on in the book. 00:20:01.140 --> 00:20:08.620 We cannot expect to live in the favor of God if we are not willing to submit to the word of God. 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:16.220 As Saul turned to leave, verse 9, it says that God changed Saul's heart. 00:20:16.220 --> 00:20:20.200 Now we shouldn't read our New Testament minds into that. 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:21.740 This isn't a New Testament equivalent. 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:24.259 Saul is not now a saved man. 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:27.480 Because that's not what it means. 00:20:27.559 --> 00:20:29.819 But it means that now something has changed. 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:31.519 Saul's different. 00:20:31.860 --> 00:20:34.579 He has a different attitude, a different outlook on life. 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:40.660 From this point on, this young, obedient farmer will have to act like a leader. 00:20:40.660 --> 00:20:46.500 Like the king of a nation, a warrior who's going to march before Israel's army. 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:51.340 And a man whose responsibility is to listen and obey God's words. 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:57.240 If Saul were to continue as he begins here, he would be a great king. 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:01.440 But sadly, this change doesn't last very long. 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:04.800 Later on, we see Saul becoming proud. 00:21:05.820 --> 00:21:06.259 Independent. 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:08.680 We see him rebelling against God. 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:11.079 And because of his disobedience, he loses his kingdom. 00:21:11.379 --> 00:21:13.559 And he eventually loses his own life. 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:17.220 Beginning well is really important. 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:20.960 But the question should also be, how do you end? 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:25.539 It's good to start off well. 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:29.480 But if that devotion, if that desire to live according to God's word, 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:32.579 if that desire to serve him dissipates, 00:21:33.140 --> 00:21:34.440 we're in a bad place. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:41.220 Saul starts off well, but he loses the fire of his initial love and devotion for the Lord. 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:43.879 And so his throne is stripped from him. 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:46.480 And God's favor leaves him. 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:50.359 All of these signs were fulfilled that day. 00:21:52.279 --> 00:21:56.980 And when people see Saul prophesying in verse 11, they are surprised. 00:21:57.539 --> 00:21:59.299 Isn't this the Saul that we know? 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:02.160 What's come over him? 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:07.180 Only one man seems to get to the heart of the matter in verse 12, 00:22:07.300 --> 00:22:09.660 where he says, who is their father? 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:13.200 The man is saying, go back to the source. 00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:16.240 The prophets were praising God. 00:22:16.320 --> 00:22:19.860 God is the inspiration of their songs and their words. 00:22:20.340 --> 00:22:21.519 God is the source. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:26.620 Saul prophesying shouldn't make us wonder at what's happened to him. 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:31.000 But it should make us see that God is with him. 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:37.279 This is the king and he is confirmed as king by these signs. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:42.579 And then Saul goes home and in verse 14, he's asked by his uncle where he was. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:45.459 And he says absolutely nothing about him becoming king. 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.659 Saul is not proud. 00:22:48.199 --> 00:22:48.979 He's humble. 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:51.079 Maybe even a bit shy. 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:56.419 Who is he to take on the helm of God's chosen people? 00:22:57.259 --> 00:23:01.259 Who is he to sit in a place of authority over the nation of Israel? 00:23:02.599 --> 00:23:06.460 At this point in time, Saul's attitude is 100% correct. 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:07.279 He is a nobody. 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:12.799 But the God who is with him, the God who equips him and the God who has true authority, 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:15.899 he is the marvelous one. 00:23:16.399 --> 00:23:18.039 And it's his works that matter. 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:23.740 God can take the smallest and most insignificant person in the eyes of the world 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:26.920 and do a mighty work for his purposes. 00:23:29.139 --> 00:23:31.680 So Samuel gathers the nation of Israel together. 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:37.579 And I think that he gives them one last chance to repent of their rejection of God 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:39.399 in verses 17 to 19. 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:43.720 This is an indictment against Israel for their rebellion 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:48.759 because they want a physical king to fight their wars for them 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:52.839 even though God has saved them from all of their disasters and calamities. 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:59.640 They have rebelled and now their king will be presented to them. 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:03.900 But they need to remember just how much God has done. 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:09.200 And so they come together and cast lots to see who their king will be. 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:12.880 And as the lot falls on Saul, nowhere to be found. 00:24:14.580 --> 00:24:16.279 Now do you see the irony here? 00:24:17.340 --> 00:24:23.740 Israel have rejected God, but they need God's help to find their fearless leader. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:28.700 Because in verse 22, God tells them that Saul is hidden in the supplies. 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:33.900 You know that feeling when you wake up on a, it's usually a Monday morning, 00:24:33.900 --> 00:24:36.640 and you know that you've got a really hard day ahead of you. 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:40.759 You don't want to get up and you don't want to have that conversation. 00:24:41.420 --> 00:24:44.940 You don't want to go to that meeting or that doctor's appointment. 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:47.460 You just want to hide from the world. 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:50.279 And so you pull the cover over your head and you say, I'm not going anywhere. 00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:53.120 That's exactly what Saul is doing. 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:56.240 He knows what his job is. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:25:02.299 It's been confirmed to him beyond any doubt. 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:07.620 And yet as he arrives with the rest of Israel, he dives out of sight. 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:09.620 He is afraid. 00:25:11.400 --> 00:25:16.799 And the problem with this is that he obviously doesn't know who he's been called by. 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:20.380 Who he's been anointed by. 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:22.180 Who he's being equipped by. 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:25.759 Saul is relying on himself and he is afraid. 00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:27.079 He is a reluctant leader. 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:33.900 But if he knew who God was, if he knew who was ultimately in control, 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:36.400 then he would know that he has absolutely nothing to fear. 00:25:38.640 --> 00:25:45.299 But Saul is a fallen human being, a broken vessel that is fragile and unspectacular. 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:49.139 And yet the God that he serves is mighty. 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:55.319 And he enables those who obediently serve him. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.299 So they find Saul. 00:25:58.440 --> 00:25:59.579 They bring him out. 00:26:00.379 --> 00:26:02.440 And Samuel presents him before the people. 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:06.579 But notice that nobody bats an eyelid that he was just hiding. 00:26:06.579 --> 00:26:14.839 Nobody gives a second thought that this fearless leader is the one they want to stand in front of enemies' armies. 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:25.240 Their desire for an earthly king to be like all the other nations has made them blind to the warning signs that are already showing. 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:31.359 And so they shout with one loud voice, verse 25, long live the king. 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:36.140 And Samuel explains the rights and duties of a king. 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:41.420 Probably reading out the list that we read at the very start in Deuteronomy. 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:56.920 Who is this king? 00:26:58.420 --> 00:27:00.400 Well, he's the king that Israel want. 00:27:01.120 --> 00:27:06.400 But they're blind to the warning signs and problems that are literally just around the corner. 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:19.960 How would you feel if the person you loved most in the world, the person that you'd helped countless times and saved so many times turns around to you and says, 00:27:20.100 --> 00:27:21.880 I want absolutely nothing to do with you. 00:27:23.620 --> 00:27:26.100 I would absolutely destroy you, wouldn't it? 00:27:28.280 --> 00:27:30.820 That is exactly what Israel have just done to God. 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:40.700 And even more than that, they've turned to a man who looks the part on the outside, but is showing all the signs that he is no king after God's own heart. 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:47.039 And do you know what I was thinking about yesterday as I was praying for this evening? 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:50.899 This is exactly what we do to God as well, isn't it? 00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:58.579 How often do we turn our eyes and seek fulfillment and pleasure in the things of the world? 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:06.720 Does it make sense to base our lives on our Lord God who loves us and who saves us? 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:11.740 The one who is there for us and who has sacrificed so much for us? 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:13.339 Why look to anything else? 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:19.619 500 years ago was the beginning of the Reformation in Germany. 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:22.460 And do you know why the Reformation was needed? 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:27.220 It was needed because the glory of God was being trampled on. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:31.779 Churches weren't worshipping God as they should. 00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:38.579 People weren't focusing on Jesus for forgiveness, but instead looking at priests and indulgences. 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:43.920 The main concern of the Reformation was the glory of God. 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:46.980 Because the minute we take our eyes off of God, 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:51.700 he is replaced by something else and we become idolaters. 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:57.100 Israel wanted to be a king like every other nation. 00:28:57.960 --> 00:29:03.759 And so their desire for an earthly king made them forget about their true heavenly king. 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:05.480 The only king that matters. 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:12.940 God gives them what they want, but he makes sure that they know that he is still in control 00:29:12.940 --> 00:29:15.360 by showing them their cowering king. 00:29:15.359 --> 00:29:19.719 And by working out his will through ordinary events, 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:22.599 God works in the ordinary. 00:29:23.359 --> 00:29:26.839 Nothing of this world will ever nullify his plans. 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:33.179 And no amount of weakness in a person can or will ever prevent God from using them as an instrument. 00:29:35.159 --> 00:29:37.379 We get so caught up in the extraordinary. 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:40.159 Thinking that God has a special task, 00:29:40.500 --> 00:29:44.399 some grand plan for each individual to reach thousands of people with the gospel. 00:29:45.359 --> 00:29:51.159 And in a sense, he does have a grand plan because we have the privilege of sharing that message. 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:53.919 But do not disparage the ordinary. 00:29:55.619 --> 00:30:00.959 Do not think little of those who day in and day out are faithfully living out their lives 00:30:00.959 --> 00:30:03.859 as good Christian people in the home and in the workplace. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:07.740 God works through the ordinary. 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:12.299 Be faithful to God's word and live out an ordinary life 00:30:12.299 --> 00:30:16.079 to the praise and glory of an extraordinary God. 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:22.419 And know that God equips his saints, his people. 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:26.519 So often we pray for people to become Christians. 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:33.019 So often I hear Christians pray for revival and a great turning of people back to the Lord. 00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:35.259 And those aren't bad things to pray for. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:43.460 But I think we should pray that God would give us a deeper desire to live according to his word. 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:50.359 Pray that God would give us opportunities to witness of his glory 00:30:50.359 --> 00:30:54.059 in the mundane, ordinary tasks of life. 00:30:54.059 --> 00:31:02.399 And pray that God would see fit to use us in certain circumstances to accomplish his will. 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:07.799 We can sit here and discuss whether Saul is a good king or a bad king. 00:31:10.179 --> 00:31:12.599 Some things in the beginning are good and some are bad. 00:31:12.659 --> 00:31:15.159 But ultimately, he's going to fail. 00:31:15.160 --> 00:31:17.519 And ultimately, it doesn't matter. 00:31:18.540 --> 00:31:22.740 Because there is only one king who fulfills God's desire for a king. 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:28.019 There is only one king who held 100% to God's law. 00:31:29.820 --> 00:31:34.720 And there is only one king who is the ultimate authority over his people. 00:31:34.820 --> 00:31:36.640 And that is our king, Jesus Christ. 00:31:37.540 --> 00:31:42.500 Who is alive and who is seated at the right hand of our father in heaven. 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:46.839 Our king did not march before earthly armies. 00:31:48.299 --> 00:31:51.740 But he has destroyed our worst enemies. 00:31:52.180 --> 00:31:53.519 Sin and death. 00:31:54.759 --> 00:31:56.700 That is the king the only one is coming out for. 00:31:59.039 --> 00:32:00.660 Nothing can hinder his reign. 00:32:01.539 --> 00:32:04.160 But Jesus is the king that we should all be looking for. 00:32:05.059 --> 00:32:08.200 That we should all be wanting to serve and that we should be praising. 00:32:09.279 --> 00:32:11.259 Israel rejected God as their king. 00:32:11.259 --> 00:32:13.240 Our world rejects Jesus as king. 00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:15.379 How will you respond to him this evening? 00:32:17.099 --> 00:32:18.559 Will you accept him? 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:20.599 Or will you reject him? 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:24.900 Jesus is not an upgrade from Saul. 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:29.339 Jesus is the true king that was promised way back in Genesis chapter 3. 00:32:29.680 --> 00:32:31.140 The first book of the Bible. 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:37.839 The one who would come to set God's chosen people free from the chains of sin that bind us. 00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:44.980 Jesus is the king who threw his death on the cross bore God's wrath and took the punishment that we deserve. 00:32:46.980 --> 00:32:52.799 And was raised to life on the third day revealing to us the glory of our God. 00:32:52.799 --> 00:32:57.200 The beginnings of our ultimate king were humble. 00:32:58.259 --> 00:33:01.279 He was born in an animal feeding trough in a small town. 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:03.180 No royal robes in sight. 00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:11.039 He died a criminal's death so that we, his subjects, could be reconciled with God. 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:16.000 And he rose again confirming his identity as the chosen one of God. 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:19.099 And when he returns everyone will see him. 00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:24.240 And every knee will bow and worship him as the one true king. 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:29.620 Do not wait to that final day to recognize who he is. 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:32.519 Let's pray together. 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:44.240 Lord, we come before you this evening as humble, broken people. 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:50.079 And we acknowledge that you are king. 00:33:51.460 --> 00:33:58.640 We ask forgiveness for the times that we have taken you off the throne of our hearts and put other things in your place. 00:34:04.140 --> 00:34:06.120 Lord, you are all that we want. 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:09.820 You are all that we've ever needed. 00:34:09.820 --> 00:34:39.800 Lord, we pray.