“Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.’ And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!…’ But some worthless fellows said, ‘How can this man save us?’ And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace…” 1 Samuel 10:24,27
“Then the people said to Samuel, ‘Who is it that said, “Shall Saul reign over us?” Bring the men, that we may put them to death.’ But Saul said, ‘Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.’ Then Samuel said to the people, ‘Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.’ So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” 1 Samuel 11:12-15
Soon after his anointing, Saul met a challenge he handled with great aplomb, handily defeating the threatening Ammonites. Those who fell in behind his now-proven leadership wanted to do away with the early naysayers, establishing the power of their sovereign with a show of swagger and brag. King Saul at this point gave all credit to the Lord and turned their focus on rejoicing in Him instead. (1 Samuel 11:1-11)
Insecurity breeds suspicion breeds feisty antagonism and a pompous parade of power. When God’s leaders are called and confirmed by Him, they are secure enough in Him to resist opposition and eschew notoriety without such display. The key to God-fueled, God-honoring leadership and living is knowing the One who placed you in that position and undertakes for you there. He is the One to be trusted, He to be praise.
Are we so enamored with knowing and aligning with the famous and influential that we criticize those who do not follow them? In relation to any position of authority or expertise, where and how is my ego manifested? Do I treat my role as a right, or a trust? And those I serve as underlings, or like image-bearers? Do I direct attention to myself for the people I know, the wise decisions I’ve made, or the victories I’ve enjoyed, or am I quick to spotlight the Lord who gives every favor, triumph, and success? Where am I tempted to touch God’s glory, and how do I handle it when experiencing personal success or prestige? (Isaiah 42:8)
How can my view of opposition change if I’m firm in faith and call? How will I see others and myself differently if I fix my security in Jesus and lift high His name and praise rather than boasting my own?
“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?..
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident…
For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:1,3,5
Lord, secure me in Your call, cover me with Your light, and clarify my vision to see others as you do, and You as supremely worthy of all notice, honor, and praise.
As the rain and snow 