Saul a King like us | Josh Elkin

Israel faces a leadership crisis as Samuel, the prophet, grows old and appoints his corrupt sons, Joel and Abijah, as leaders. The elders of Israel, dissatisfied with their leadership, demand a king to rule over them, wanting to be like other nations. Samuel is displeased and prays to God, who warns that appointing a king will lead to oppression and servitude, as the king will take their sons for military service and their daughters for labor, ultimately making them slaves. Despite the warning, the people insist on having a king, rejecting God's authority.

In a subsequent gathering, God instructs Samuel to select a king from among the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin is chosen, and Saul, son of Kish, is identified as the king, although he initially hides from the responsibility. The people proclaim him as king, but his reign begins poorly, marked by fear and coercion rather than righteous leadership. This narrative highlights Israel's rejection of divine leadership in favor of a human monarchy, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God.

The discussion draws parallels between ancient Israel's choices and modern temptations to seek earthly solutions to problems, emphasizing the need for trust in God's plan rather than reliance on flawed human leaders. The message culminates in a call to embrace the kingdom of God, led by Jesus, who offers a different kind of leadership based on love and sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the tyranny of earthly kings.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 8: 1-21 , 10:17-25 Series: 1 Samuel Congregation: Carlton 10 Date: 25th October 2026