Abide in Lowliness

Saul’s life is evidence of how totally futile our service for God is if it does not lead to an unbroken and consistent acknowledgment.

Saul began well. It was so blessed and good that Samuel had to say, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Is­rael?” 1 Samuel 15:17.

After Saul had received the kingship in Israel, he waged war against all the enemies round about. There were six different nations, among whom were such bitter opponents as the Edomites, the Amalekites, and the Philistines. He defeated them all, including the kings of Zobah. It was a perfect and glorious victory, a blessed ex­ample for us of victory over all flesh.

His sovereignty was great, and he delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them. 1 Samuel 14:47-48. However, he went in a different direction in his heart. He grew away from being little in his own eyes and took matters into his own hands. 1 Samuel 13:12.

It is a great thing when a person comes to God, little and wretched in his own eyes; but it is many times greater to be preserved in lowliness until the end.

Whatever has been written about Israel has been written for our exhortation and instruction, so that we can avoid committing the same errors and sins.