Saul’s Jealous Eye

Read 1 Samuel 18-19
 
1 Samuel 18:7-9 As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” 9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
 
SAUL is King of Israel. He’s God’s choice to lead. But he’s a lousy leader because he has neglected God’s leading. To be a good shepherd one must follow the Good Shepherd.
    Saul has not walked in faith but walked in uncertainty and fear. Fear kept him stifled under Goliath’s taunts. He sent a shepherd to do a warrior’s work. David became a loved and respected leader in Israel’s army. He won other victories. Now the people give to the young David more credit for his leadership. Saul’s troubling spirit makes him jealous and begins to destroy him. With this incident Saul steadily declines to vengeance, murder and insanity. God had given to him a young, leader in David, passionate to honor God’s name; yet, Saul’s jealousy blocked David’s skills to support his king.
    What should Saul have done here? He should have celebrated David, too. Would it have been appropriate to allow David to train his army well? Saul should have thanked God for giving such a leader loyal to God and to his king.
    Jealousy governed Saul. He began a pursuit to destroy David, his most valuable asset. With humility and a servant’s heart, Saul could have been a great first king for Israel. Instead, his self-focused pride and fears destroyed him.
    Has God given you opportunities to lead? As we often point out, he has made you a leader if he’s made you a Christian. Use, then, your God-anointed strengths to serve the King. Use also the strengths of others whom God has sent to help you. Be humble. Lead people toward Jesus with the understanding that the Holy Spirit has graciously placed you in your kingdom role.
    Just think, in faith you can be a valuable asset to the King of kings.  
 
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.