Saul and Samuel

Saul and Samuel

While Samuel was aging and retiring from his role as judge, Saul gained favor with the people with every battle won. Saul was swelling with pride and becoming addicted to the praise of his people, while Samuel led the people into habitually seeking God before every battle. One day, while preparing for battle against the Philistines at Gilgal, Saul gave in to his anxiety and people-pleasing attitude by taking on the duties of a priest's duties, which belonged solely to Samuel. Saul’s disobedience and petty excuses led to God removing the kingship from his dynasty and passing it onto one whose heart would seek after God.

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1 Samuel 13:11
Yesterday we heard about Saul’s first battle as leader of God’s people. His heart was focused on God, and his army defeated the Ammonites. Saul gave glory to God at that moment, recognizing the Lord for delivering Israel from her enemy. But even at that moment, pride began to creep in. And in today’s story, we’ll see that God’s prophet Samuel isn’t fooled by Saul's outward displays of humility. Recognizes the hubris that’s seeped into the king’s heart. God’s priest will call out the king, but how will the young ruler respond?
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