Saul was Israel’s first king. He was called by God to be king and then rejected as king by God. Then there is David, the second king. God always accepted David no matter what he did. David is always remembered in the Scriptures as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) while Saul is remembered as the king rejected by God. They were both great leaders with flawed character – yet one found favor with God, while the other was rejected. This presented a huge mystery on my first journey through the Scriptures - but it was a mystery that held the crucial answer to knowing what God values and who God receives.Saul and David: Similar Backgrounds
(Note: these are not necessarily traits exhibited through their whole lives)
They were both handsome (1 Samuel 9:2, 16:12).
They were both humble (1 Samuel 9:22, 18:18).
They were both bold (1 Samuel 11:7, 17:32).
They were both called by God (1 Samuel 9:17, 16:12).
They were both anointed king by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13).
They were both empowered by the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 11:6, 16:13).
They were both leaders (1 Samuel 11:11, 18:5).
They were both warriors (1 Samuel 11:11, 17:49).
They both sinned against God (1 Samuel 15, 2 Samuel 11).
They were both confronted by a prophet (1 Samuel 15, 2 Samuel 12).
As we analyze the sins of these men, and their responses to God in relation to their sin, we are faced with powerful and surprising truths as to how God measures a man. Is there more to godliness than being righteous? Find out on Friday when we continue with part 2 of this series and examine the major sins in the lives of Saul and David.
Go On To Part 2
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This is based on a sermon I recently preached at our new church plant "Kristuskirken" in Denmark.
The work of an evangelist is often misunderstood. His preaching causes every person, whether they consider themselves saved or not to look introspectively into their own hearts. His preaching brings great light and truth which exposes the darkness that seeks to remain hidden in the hearts of all men. The truth is that men love darkness more than the light as Jesus has so rightly said. The clear mission that Paul has been entrusted with is to bring to light the ignorance and decietfullness that has brought the church to a place of being lukewarm, particularly in our western culture. His desire to bring all men through the gates of condemnation is really an act of love and genuine desire to be saved, really saved. I commend Paul Washer for his unwavering obedience to accomplish a work that so few have been willing to do to wake our western churches up. Paul Washer is one of the few evangelists left in the world today, and while he is not perfect, as none of us are, yet remains faithful to the Lord to complete this much needed work so the Lord may come quickly for more saved souls and a bride that is without spot or wrinkle. God bless you Paul. I hope to meet you in glory one day and thank you for your inerrant preaching.
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