I Samuel 15:1
“Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you as king over His people, over Israel; now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.”
This verse is a surprise. Samuel said this in 13:14, “But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” It sounded as if Saul’s kingdom was finished. Today’s verse clarifies things. Yes, his kingdom will end, just not now. He was to be king.
This was a great encouragement to Saul. He heard what we just read, that his reign was ending. Now Samuel tells him that he’s to be anointed king. He probably thought that God and Samuel were against him. Now he get this second chance.
God is the god of second chances. And third, fourth and fifth and so on. Lamentations 3:22, 23 says, “The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” What a great God we have. I can feel the relief of waking up to that mercy many times. Thank You, God for Your cleansing mercy.
Some denominations and faiths include penance or some type of ritual that mandates actions to wipe away guilt. Unfortunately our human nature grabs on to this. When we don’t understand the grace and mercy of God, people can point their lives on a course to correct their wrongs. But that’s God’s way.
Jesus’ sacrifice dealt with our guilt. God’s amazing plan healed our relationship, paid for sin and set a plan that blesses us with Him for the rest of our days here on earth and in heaven. There’s no need for people to repair things. God’s mercy is free. He joyfully heaps it upon us.
Saul is experiencing it in today’s passage. He made mistakes. Most of them public ones that many witnessed. He was rebuked by Samuel and told his kingdom wouldn’t last. He almost put his son to death. Were it not for the peoples intervention, Jonathon would have died. Much of his judgement was poor. His mountain of sins and mistakes must have made him feel badly.
Then today’s passage happens. Samuel arrives and tells Saul he’s to be anointed king. Saul most likely didn’t expect this. His last encounter with Samuel had him balled out. Now there’s a public repair. There can no more rumors. That’s what the Lord does to His children. He forgives, heals, sets us back on the path and prospers our way. Why wouldn’t anyone want to serve Him?
While God wants to do all of these great things for us, He also wants to draw others to Him so He can begin a relationship and bless them. It’s to be a never ending cycle in which He builds His kingdom, His church and brings glory to His name. That’s why He created us.
Lord, thank You for Your great mercy. Thank You for lifting us up and giving hope. You deserve all the glory.