Saul has disobeyed God by gathering the spoils from wars. Samuel the prophet says these words, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Surely to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is no less a sin than divination, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." 15.22-23 I was struck by Samuel's teaching that obedience is greater than any offering we can bring to God. How often have people tried to buy forgiveness with money and things? If this passage is true, God prefers our living to be in agreement with God's teachings.
The calling and anointing of David to replace Saul reminds us that God does not always pick the one we would choose. "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." 16. 7 How often do we pick by outward appearance? Do we make judgments of intelligience, likeability, abilities, and success based on what we see with our eyes? God has a better way.
The story of David killing Goliath is worth remembering. It is not just a story of the weak overcoming the strong, but of faith overcoming fear. It is a story of God using the least likely to advance the salvation story. We, too, are often invited to participate in God's mighty work on earth. When it may not seem possible through our own strength, it is possible when God works through us then faith overcomes fear.
'Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely' is a phrase that continues to be seen in Biblical stories. Saul does not want to lose power. He is jealous of David and his popularity. Saul plots David's death several times. Both Saul and David try to use Jonathan. Saul wants him to kill David and David wants Jonathan to plead with his father, Saul, for David's life. Jonathan can not change his father's plans so warns David. They seal their friendship with a blessing and prayer. Jonathan decided to side with God's chosen than with family. Jonathan sets an example for us: Love of God always comes before love of others, even family.
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