He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man. There was no one more impressive among the Israelites than he. (1 Samuel 9:2)
One thing I’m learning is that just because an opportunity looks good, it doesn’t mean it’s within God’s will for me. Many of us make big decisions based on the appearance of something, without really seeking the Lord’s wisdom. We think that since this new opportunity has come our way, “It’s an open door from the Lord!”
In 1 Samuel, we see that Israel felt like a theocracy was too outdated. It took time to wait on the Lord. You had to rely on someone who was not physically visible, and who only spoke to a few. Having a human king who you could see, hear, touch, and directly access seemed like a great opportunity. It was a new and better way of governing for Israel. They wanted a monarchy like the other nations. So the people shouted, “Give us a king!” (1 Sam. 8:6) And although it wasn’t within God’s perfect will, he gave Israel what they wanted. God gave them a man named Saul to be their king. In the Hebrew, the name Saul (sha’ul ָאוּלשׁ) means “the one asked for.” The text also tells us that, “there was no one more impressive among the Israelites than Saul” (9:2). Initially, Saul appeared to be a good catch for Israel. But as we will see in 1 Samuel, this “golden opportunity” didn’t turn out to be so profitable.
What looks like a great opportunity that you might be rushing into? Could it be an amazing job offer, but might cost you your family? Maybe there someone interested in you, but he or she doesn’t quite share in the same faith that has changed your life. So what opportunity looks favorable, but over time it will cause you to make compromises with God? Our choices reveal who is really the king.
In the Prodigal Son, we see the father sorrowfully allow his son to make a terrible decision. But after his son is burned by his own foolish choices, he makes his way back to beg his father for a place to stay. His father sees him off in the distance, and then sprints for him like a madman! He hugs him and kisses him, and then throws a party for his son. Jesus knew this was exactly what God the Father was doing through him for prodigal Israel, and prodigal sons and daughters like us. People who have made the worst decision to trust ourselves more than God. But through the finished work of Jesus, the Father runs out into the streets and embraces us, who were lost and have been found. This is the God and King who won’t disappoint. You can trust him with your upcoming decision.