Read 1 Chronicles 10:1-14
The story of Israel’s kings begins with Saul. You’ll recall the genealogies ended with reference to Saul’s family. But right before that the Chronicler had been speaking about those returning from Exile. To get our “bearings,” so to speak, this reading goes back many generations from the time of those returning from exile.
There’s a lot more to Saul’s story that can be read in 1 Samuel. The Chronicler glosses over Saul’s life, but in terms of lineage, we’ve been told Saul was descended from the tribe of Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son.
In this passage, we see Saul under attack by the Philistines. This rivalry had been ongoing but now turns deadly for Israel’s leadership. The Israel people find themselves without a king or an heir to the throne. How did God let this happen?
You may recall Saul was appointed king to bring order to the land of Israel and help defend them against rival nations. Up to the time of Saul’s reign, God had been providing for and rescuing his rebellious people time and again. The people thought they needed a king, not God. Saul’s life ended in tragedy because he had not sought the Lord’s provision for battle. Can we assume he was relying solely on his own strength and that of his army?
The passage reads, “So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD.” Three of Saul’s sons also lost their lives that day. Do you think they were also unfaithful? They certainly didn’t have a faithful role model to follow.
Whether we are kings or not, it should be our desire to be faithful to God. When we’re true to God and seek his counsel, we receive blessings. “A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 28:20 NIV) “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Psalm 78:7-8, written by Asaph (he’s mentioned in the genealogies we recently read) describes faithfulness like this: “So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors—stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.” I think Saul was stubborn and rebellious, refusing to commit to God. Sadly, I know plenty of people who fall into this category of being unfaithful.
So how do we become more faithful? That’s a great question that we could talk about for hours. Faithfulness is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Simply by having the Holy Spirit in your life, leading and counseling you, faithfulness will grow in you. Hallelujah.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for how you bless those who love and follow you. I feel my faithfulness growing every day that you live inside me. Continue to open my eyes to the truth of your word. Help me in my reflections and reveal yourself to me each day. Forgive me when I let distractions get in the way of my time with you. I want to be recognized in this world for my faithfulness to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
