1 Samuel 11: A King's Confirmation

What makes a leader? Is it charisma? Is it skill and ability? In one sense we could say yes these attributes do make a leader but there is also something more behind them. In the case of Saul, it is God who called and appointed Saul to be the king.

Saul’s kingship starts off incredibly well. This narrative confirms Saul’s appointment as Israel’s king. The people of Jabesh-gilead are besieged by the Ammonites but when Saul hears about this the Lord comes upon him (v. 7) spurring him to action. Saul then musters the people and they then route the Ammonites saving Jabesh-gilead. After such a great victory Saul is confirmed as Israel’s king in Gilgal (v. 15). But if we look closer we see that it is the Lord who is spurring the people and spurring Saul to act (vv 6, 8).

So what does this mean for us? If God calls us to do something, then he will provide the strength, wisdom and ability for us to do it. We may not be the best or achieve some rock star status in our calling but we will have some measure of success. So how does this work?

One parallel is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul states, “For when I am weak then I am strong.” He can state this because God’s grace is sufficient for us and in our weakness we can turn to him and be strong. It was the Lord’s power with Saul and it was the Lord’s power with Paul that gave them strength to continue. Only as followers and disciples of Christ do we have this power of God’s grace. Christ does not leave his church inept to serve and minister to the world, may that be in ministry or in the workplace. Therefore, God makes leaders just as God makes workers—by his grace.

Posted by Aaron Miner