The beginning of the end

Posted on Posted in Living sacrifice, Wisdom

1 Samuel 13:11-12 Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, 12 I thought…”

Saul started out really well as we have read in the previous chapters. Many wonder, how did a good king end up so bad? Well, here we see the beginning of the end.

At first glance, Samuel’s response to Saul seems a bit over the top. “Now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people.” (verse 14)

Why is this? And why is this the beginning of the end for Saul? First of all, Saul did not follow Samuel’s clear instruction (ref. Samuel 10:8). Secondly, when Samuel confronts Saul, he is pointing to everyone and everything, except to himself. He does not humble himself and does not apologise or make amends. Listen to what he says:

  • “The men were scattering”
  • “You did not come”
  • “The Philistines were assembling”

Not being teachable is one of the first signs of pride. And pride comes before the… Exactly.

When a man or woman of God confronts you about a behaviour, what is your response? Are you willing to take a look in the mirror? Are you willing to apologize? Are you willing to start with yourself before pointing fingers at others? If not, it might be the beginning of the end of what God can do in your life.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)