I’m looking at the failure of Saul and the fact that he was rejected by God and Samuel. At this point in my reading, God is sending Samuel off to find David and anoint him. Both men were called by God and yet have totally different destinies.
What did they have in common?
Saul did not come seeking to be king. He was looking for some lost donkeys. When they tried to install him he was out hiding with the animals. David did not come seeking to be king. He was out minding his own business, tending the sheep. Both sinned against the known will of God. Both asked for forgiveness. Yet God rejected Saul for a single failure and continued to interact with David after several.
What is the difference? I think it comes down to this verse where Samuel is looking for a son of Jesse to anoint.
(1Sa 16:7 KJV) But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Saul may have been repentant but it was the repentance of being caught. We all know people who exhibit a boat load of remorse when they are caught with their hand in the cookie jar. All that means is they will be more careful next time. David, on the other hand, seems to have had real repentance in his heart. God can tell the difference. We don’t have that ability to read the hearts of others so we are cautioned to be slow to judge.
I think we have more ability to measure our own hearts that we want to admit. I think we can know if we are sincere or playing games. Keep in mind God has more insight than you do. I have felt sympathy for Saul but I must accept that he could have changed his attitude.
Be a David.
homo unius libri
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.