Long Live The King

Bible Text: 1 Samuel 10:1-27 | Preacher: Pastor Mark Verbruggen | Series: Saul | The man chosen to be the first king over Israel has been anointed by Samuel in a private act in the opening verse of our reading today. I Samuel 10:1 says, “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him saying, “Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance?” This verse is a Christ-centered, grace filled Word. To understand the rise and fall of Israel’s first king, we need to know the Sovereign One who is at work behind the scene. God is at work to achieve his goal.

The monarchy in Old Testament Israel is not just the response of the Lord to the people’s request. It is God’s work, God’s initiative, God’s plan, God’s choice. This is more than just the coronation of one man over one little country in the Ancient Near East. God’s work, God’s initiative, God’s plan, God’s choice – it can only be understood fully in light of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. In so far as any king over God’s people ruled in grace and truth, it was the Spirit of Christ at work in him.