Mankind’s history is said to repeat itself. The Holy Bible is a history book from which we can learn about history and whether or not we have the choice of repeating its history in our own times, and even in our own lives. Like the Israelis in the Old Testament, we, too, have a choice in our daily activities, but more importantly in our worship.
Many years ago, in the late 70’s and 80’s, I was consumed with knowing about Biblical prophecies concerning end times. Like many people, I wanted to look ahead to see the destiny of our country. I finally figured out that much of what was being bandied about concerning end times was largely to fill the pockets of publishers and to glorify certain men for their wisdom and foresight. It’s still being done today, and I don’t recommend going down that path. Just read the Bible and pray over what the Lord would have you know.
As I was reading 1 Samuel this week, I believe the Lord has had me dwell on Saul as he was about to become Israel’s first king. I was being asked to slow down my reading and pray about deeper meaning than just a history lesson. In prayer, I was given the epiphany of tying 1 Samuel 10 to end times. I’m not saying studies relating these two have never been done before; but, if they have I do not recall hearing them.
1 Samuel relates Saul’s search for some asses, which had been lost, and Israel’s desire as a nation to forsake God’s direction again. The people were lost in worshiping false gods and wanted to become like other nations under the governance of a king, rather than living under the liberty of God’s law either individually or as a nation. Samuel was part of a remnant who recognized and experienced God’s presence and was dedicated to pleasing God with all his heart, mind and soul. Yet he listened carefully to the will of the people. Like other judges before him, Samuel did his best to persuade the people to live according to the Mosaic law. For the most part, all the nation would have none of it, choosing to worship other gods and living licentious lives.
1 Samuel 10 relates how Saul became king of Israel. God had changed Saul from a worldly Jew to be able to prophecy as other prophets did. The people marveled at his words, wondering how such a change could come to a non-Levite from the tribe of Benjamin. Vestiges of Mosaic law still remained in a jagged congruence with idolatry. Verse 12 poses a curious question that came from one of the onlookers. “But who is their father?” I believe that person was one of the remnant, with Samuel, who understood not all prophecies are from God the Father. And I further believe that Saul accepted the blessing of prophecy for his own glory. But remember, God had changed him. (1 Sam 10:9)
Later Saul’s uncle asked Saul where he had been while seeking the lost asses. Saul told him everything except the part where he was to be crowned king of Israel. Saul clearly did not believe Samuel’s prophecy despite having experienced the exact details Samuel said would occur on his way home to Gibeah. When the coronation ceremony began, Saul did not show up as a matter of rebellion against God’s will. He was hiding and the Lord told Samuel where Saul could be found in “the stuff,” meaning the vast accumulation of supplies and gear that accompanied the nation’s gathering at Mizpeh. That’s another clear sign of Saul’s unbelief in God’s will. God provided a way for Saul to be king and be glorified among men.
Samuel had called all the nation to Mizpeh for reckoning. He reminded them that God, and only God, had brought them out of slavery under Egypt’s pharaohs, and that he had prepared the way for them to claim the land he had promised them. Evangelists and preachers today remind us of how we have been led and who has provided for us. Samuel specifically demanded that the nation choose whether they would serve God or serve a king, like in other nations.
So, the story of Saul’s rise to glory is a picture of end times. Bible prophecy tells of men forsaking God, wars and rumors of wars, idolatry and much, much more when the end is near. The Bible tells of mankind’s present and future dysfunction in governing themselves and demanding a single world leader to guide us to peace and security. That’s a picture seen in Saul’s rise to power. It will come to pass under the people’s will, not God’s, just as it did with Saul. Direction is ours to choose; and God has ordained the outcome.
