1 Samuel 9:2: “And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.”

May 18th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Saul’s name literally meant asked, and in this case asked of God because the people asked God for a human king. Saul was an impressive, handsome young man, a head taller than most men in Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin. Although God did appoint Saul, he did not represent God’s choice, but rather the people’s choice. The Israelites wanted someone striking in appearance, who looked the part of a monarch, and who appeared magnificent on the outside so they could be proud of him. This initially impressive man turned out to be a prideful, tyrannical ruler. It is significant that God had already said in Genesis 49:10 that His choice of leaders would come from the tribe of Judah.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once said, “I am sick of opinions. Give me a humble, gentle lover of God and man—a man full or mercy and good fruits, without partiality or hypocrisy.” When we get to the New Testament we find a different Saul, one who was also from the tribe of Benjamin, but who possessed very different internal, spiritual qualities, which God would use to introduce the gospel to the western world. God is looking for men who will humble themselves and yield to God’s leading each and every day. D. L. Moody summed it up simply but appropriately when he said, “Be humble or you’ll stumble.”

“LORD, we recognize that You alone have both the right and the wisdom to lead our lives this day, so lead us we ask in Jesus’ name.”