DAY 236 – BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR –THE UNITED MONARCHY

"THERE WAS A MAN OF BENJAMIN.. HE HAD A CHOICE AND HANDSOME SON WHOSE NAME WAS SAUL.” 

Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-10:1 

Today’s focus is on Saul, the ideal peoples’ king. The writer goes into great detail about Saul’s impressive stature and looks. He was the kind of king that the people wanted to represent them in battle. He was taller than anyone else and was the most handsome of men. 

With hindsight, we can see that Saul was not an ideal choice as king for he did not really have a heart for the Lord. Some would say he had no heart for the LORD, but that may be a little harsh. He was a man of the people and cared more about his popularity with them. God did have a purpose for anointing Saul as king. He gave Saul to Israel to free them from the oppression of their enemies, the Philistines. 

Looking forward, we see Jesus as our deliverer from greater enemies than the Philistines. Jesus delivers from death in Hell and qualifies us for heavenly citizenship, with all its blessings. 

Dear Father, we don’t understand all Your ways but can see that You are always looking out for the good of Your people and send them deliverer upon deliverer upon deliverer. Thank You for sending Jesus, the ultimate deliverer.  

Show the youngsters the picture below. It’s a picture of Samuel anointing Saul as the first king of Israel.

Discuss it with them.