• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
    • Statement of Faith
    • How We Worship
    • Our Staff
    • History of URC
    • Contact
  • New to URC
  • Connect

University Reformed Church

  • Ministries
    • Children
    • Middle School / High School (DIG)
    • College
    • International
    • Growth Groups
    • Women
    • Men
    • Biblical Counseling
    • Grace and Truth
    • Missions
    • Internship Program
    • Fellowship Program
  • Teaching
    • Sermons
    • Sunday Classes
    • The Gospel Story
  • Members
    • Member Portal
    • “About URC” and Church Membership
    • Giving
    • Calendar
    • URC Weekly Newsletter
    • Facilities Request
    • Prayer Chain
    • Child Baptism
    • Truth and Hope
    • Diaconate
    • Volunteer
  • About Us
    • Statement of Faith
    • How We Worship
    • Our Staff
    • History of URC
    • Contact
  • New to URC
  • Connect
  • Ministries
    • Children
    • Middle School / High School (DIG)
    • College
    • International
    • Growth Groups
    • Women
    • Men
    • Biblical Counseling
    • Missions
    • Internship Program
  • Teaching
    • Sermons
    • Sunday Classes
    • Books by URC Staff
    • The Gospel Story
  • Members
    • “About URC” and Church Membership
    • Calendar
    • URC Weekly Newsletter
    • Volunteer
    • Diaconate
    • Prayer Chain
    • Giving
    • Facilities Request

Saul Elected King

July 21, 2019 by

Related

Kevin Phipps / Jul 21, 2019 / 1 Samuel 10:17-27

Listen
https://urchurch.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/23074152/072119.mp3
Download
MP3 Audio File
Share this
ShareTweetEmail this

Sermon Summary / Transcript

In last Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Kevin continued his series on 1st Samuel, teaching us of Saul’s election as king (1Sam 10:17-27). We can think of this day in the history of the people of Israel under three headings…

1  The Rebuke

Samuel calls the people together at Mizpah, the same place where God delivered them from the Philistines, and it is here that God gives them another chance to repent. Through his prophet Samuel, God rebukes the people for rejecting him. He reminds them of his goodness and of the king that they are walking away from. He reminds them of their guilt, of their rejection of the king who delivered them. Finally, he reminds them of coming judgment by choosing their king by lots. In the same way that Achan, the one guilty of keeping back the things devoted to destruction, is found out by lot, so Saul is found out by lot. It is a picture to the people of Israel that their demand for a king will also bring judgment against them.

2  The Reveal

Here God is orchestrating his own rejection in order to bring about his glory.  In a sad irony, God has to help this rebellious people find their own king. He tells them that Saul “has hidden himself among the baggage.” Maybe Saul sees that this is not a good idea. Maybe he sees himself as a kind of Achan. What the people see is that he is tall and good looking, and that is enough to win their devotion. Though they know nothing of his character or achievements, they shout, “Long live the king!”  People have not changed since Samuel’s day. We still like those we follow to look the part, never mind what’s on the inside.

3  The Rule

The ruler God chooses is a decent king at first. He obeys Samuel’s instruction to the people to go to their homes. Godly men follow him, and when unworthy fellows grumble about him, he shows his mercy by keeping his peace. Though Saul’s reign will ultimately fail, here we do see hints of the better king to come, hints of the king we didn’t ask for but desperately need. Saul shows mercy to his enemies by not taking vengeance on them, but another king will go much farther. He will redeem his enemies by dying for them. 

Are you living in open rebellion to Jesus, the only king of the universe? There is grace for you. Are you living in quiet, civilized rebellion to king Jesus? Outwardly playing the part while inwardly rejecting his lordship? There is grace for you too. Follow the better king that God has chosen for you. He is worthy in every way.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Updates / News

  • GO/SEND Missions Gatherings January 27, 2023
  • Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology — February 24-25 January 23, 2023
  • Truth & Hope January 23, 2023
View all News

URC Weekly Newsletter

Sign up to receive our weekly
e-newsletter, featuring important URC announcements and events.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

News Archives

View all Sermons

Listen to Sermons on Your Phone or Tablet

urc-android-appurc-iphone-app

Subscribe to Podcast

Add Podcast to iTunes
Subscribe via Google Play
Subscribe via Podcast Feed

Footer

urc
A congregation of the
Presbyterian Church in America
841 Timberlane St.
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Map & Directions

517.351.6810
[email protected]


Worship Services

8:45 & 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Livestream at 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Get to Know URC

  • Statement of Faith
  • “About URC” and Church Membership
  • Our Staff
  • Contact

Resources

  • Sermons
  • Internship Program
  • Giving
  • Campus Van Schedule

URC Weekly Newsletter

Sign up to receive our weekly e-newsletter, featuring important URC announcements and events.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Download the URC Mobile App

urc-android-appurc-iphone-app

© 1966-2023 University Reformed Church. All Rights Reserved. - [email protected] - Sitemap
Website by LimeCuda - Admin