I have been excited to be part of our recent Wednesday Night Alive, Special Addition. This class has focused on the rise and fall of the kings of Israel. It is a timely study that lines up with our readings for the Year in the Bible. This study started in the book of 1 Samuel with God’s selection of Saul to be the first king of Israel. The class will conclude by looking at the rise and fall of Solomon. If you were not able to be part of this study in-person, you can watch it online.
As I was preparing for this study there was something that stood out to me about the first kings of Israel, Saul, and David. They did not have what you might think as the typical upbringing of a royal leader. In fact, they are not even leaders in their local communities. They are young men that have been brought up to care for their family’s animals. They have not been trained to be leaders of God’s holy nation.
When we first meet Saul, he is searching for the donkeys that belonged to his father. The animals had escaped, and Saul was having no luck finding the animals. Along the way, Saul encounters the priest, Samuel. God tells Samuel that, “he will govern my people.” (1 Samuel 9:17) Saul, who can’t keep the donkeys in their pen, will become the first king of Israel.
David will take over as king when Saul dies. David is not related to Saul. He was not raised to become king. David was the youngest of his siblings. His main job within his family was, “tending the sheep.” (1 Samuel 16:11)
It is obvious that God was not looking to select the king according to the best resume in the country. God was looking for something else. As I read the stories of Saul and David, I was reminded that God was looking for faithful people. God was not choosing the king by the world’s standards, even though that is exactly what the people asked for when they said, “appoint a king do lead us, such as all the other nations have.” (I Samuel 8:5)
We often think that God cannot use us to do good, but the story of Saul and David show us that God can work through all people to accomplish his good purpose. We do not have to have the right training, the proper pedigree, or be perfect in the eyes of the world for God to use us. When God wanted to select a person to be king, he selected the least among the people to show that His grace was sufficient to work through each of us. God sees the potential in all of us. God does not read our resume. God only asks that we will be faithful when He calls. Through God’s grace the donkey keeper and the shepherd can lead a nation. Through God’s grace we all can share God’s love and bring hope to the world.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
