1 Samuel 13:1-15a – The ‘Have it Your Way’ King
As we noted yesterday, the point of verse 1, though hard to translate and understand, is to signpost to us the beginning of a new era for Israel with Saul as their king. It should be bright and glorious. He is exactly what they asked for. He is a king like the nations (8:5) – tall, handsome, and from a rich and influential family. He is a king who will go out and fight their battles (8:20) – he has already proven himself in battle, crushing the Ammonites at Jabesh-gilead. He is as his name: ‘Saul’ means ‘asked for’ – he is the ‘asked for king’. But he wasn’t the king that they needed. They didn’t need a king like the nations, because God was their king. They didn’t need a king to deliver them, because God was their deliverer. But God gives them what they want – Saul is the ‘have it your way’ king.
‘Have it your way’ is the motto of our day. Whatever you think is best, do it. “I know what’s best for me; I know what I need; I know what makes me happy; I know what will deliver me from my worries and fears; I know what will give me a hope of a happy future.” This thinking pervades every area of life: family, work, religion, lifestyle, sexuality and gender.
Can we have it our way? Do we know what we need? Can we choose our own deliverers? Can we decide what we hope in for safety and blessing? The closing words of chapter 12 hang ominously in the air (12:25). What if our way is the wrong way? What if our way is a wicked way and leads us to be swept away in God’s judgement?
It may seem strange to linger on these thoughts. We haven’t even got to the detail of the chapter yet. But we need to read the chapter in light of this: Saul is the ‘have it your way king’, and now we are going to see the results of going our own way. Miss this and you miss a message for the age.
Questions
- Where have you heard or seen the ‘have it your way’ motto echoed or expressed in recent days – in the news, in conversation?
Prayer Points
- Ask that God will show the folly of the motto of our age to us as we consider this chapter this week.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.