God’s Sovereignty in Saul’s Life
The “evil spirit from the Lord” that troubled Saul (1 Samuel 16:14) is a reminder of God’s ultimate sovereignty over all things, including Saul’s life and actions. This was not a sign of God abandoning Saul but rather an indication that God remained in control, even in judgment. His purpose was to redirect Saul from his position of kingship, which he had failed to steward faithfully, back to the discipleship relationship with God that he had lost.
The Priority of Discipleship Over Leadership
Dear servants of God, it is crucial to understand that God’s calling on your life begins with a discipleship relationship with Him. Leadership or kingship is neither a reward nor an entitlement—it is a platform through which God desires to reveal His life (that you are acquiring in discipleship) and kingdom in and through you. However, leadership must never replace or overshadow your personal devotion and relationship with God.
If it pleases the Lord to withdraw you from a leadership role due to neglect of your discipleship, do not cling to the position. Leadership without intimacy with God can lead to personal destruction and harm to those around you. Saul’s life illustrates this truth: his failure to maintain a devoted relationship with God ultimately led to his downfall.
The Dangers of Clinging to Leadership Without Discipleship
In his attempt to secure his kingship at all costs, Saul drove himself further from God. He turned to the witch at Endor for guidance (1 Samuel 28:7-20), seeking counsel from the enemy instead of repenting and returning to God. This act revealed the extent of his spiritual decline. The Lord’s judgment on Saul was not arbitrary; Saul’s refusal to repent, his disregard for God’s word, and his reliance on ungodly sources led to his demise.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 sums up Saul’s tragic end:
“So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.”
Lessons for Servants of God
- Leadership is a Trust, not a Right: Leadership is a stewardship entrusted by God for His purposes. When leaders neglect their personal relationship with God, they jeopardize not only their role but also their spiritual health and those they lead.
- Discipleship Must Be the Foundation: Your relationship with God—built on devotion to His word, prayer, and obedience—must remain the foundation of your calling. Without this, leadership becomes empty and self-serving.
- Repentance Is Always the Way Back: God’s intention, even in judgment, is always to draw His children back to Himself. Clinging to leadership or seeking solutions outside God’s will only leads to destruction.
A Call to Surrender
If you sense that God is calling you to refocus on your discipleship, heed His voice. Let go of anything that hinders your relationship with Him. Leadership positions, titles, and responsibilities are temporary, but your relationship with God is eternal. Saul’s life serves as a sobering example: neglecting discipleship for leadership can lead to spiritual ruin.
Prayer
May we, as servants of God, prioritize our devotion to Him above all else. If God grants us leadership roles, let them flow from a heart fully surrendered to Him. And if He calls us back to the simplicity of discipleship, let us yield willingly, knowing that His purposes are always for our good and His glory.
