Suggested reading: 1 Samuel chapter 10 verses 17-27

In Old Testament times, the children of Israel desired a king, so that they could be like the other nations around them; therefore, they approached Samuel and asked him to choose one for them. They had become dissatisfied with acknowledging God as their King. Little did they realise that God would lead Samuel to choose a king that their rebellious spirits deserved. He chose an impressive-looking man, called SAUL. He brought him before the people and announced, ‘Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?’, verse 24.

At this particular point many people were pleased to have Saul as their King and followed him, verse 26. However, there were ‘rebels’, verse 27, who despised him and said, ‘How can THIS MAN save us?’ verse 27.

Saul is not worthy to be mentioned alongside Jesus; nevertheless, the account of his rise to the throne of Israel reminds us of the coming of Jesus, the King of the Jews, into this world, Matthew chapter 2 verse 2. Just as Samuel invited the people to ‘see him (Saul) whom the Lord had chosen’, verse 24, God said of the Lord Jesus, ‘Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased’, Matthew chapter 12 verse 18.

Just as many people refused to accept Saul as God’s choice to be king of Israel, the majority refused to acknowledge Jesus as their king. Indeed, at the time of His crucifixion the cry went up, ‘We will not have THIS MAN to reign over us‘, Luke chapter 19 verse 14, and ‘Away with THIS MAN . . . Crucify Him, crucify Him!’, Luke chapter 23 verses 18, 21.

I invite you today to look at THIS MAN again and accept Him as your personal Lord and Saviour!