“Then Jonathan said, ‘My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.'” (1 Samuel 14:29 ESV).
It’s heart-breaking to read the stories about King Saul, Israel’s first king. Although he reigned for forty years, his leadership style was fraught with short-sighted and ill-conceived tactics, blustering, macho-inspired dictates, people-pleasing priorities, and most of all – a failure to seek God first in all things. Even when God was giving him a miraculous victory over the Philistines, he jeopardized it with a foolish command saying, “Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening—before I have full revenge on my enemies.” This command brought unnecessary hardship to his soldiers and nearly cost the life of his own son, Jonathan, who unknowingly broke the oath.
Saul’s story is a cautionary tale. He had moments of promise and opportunity, yet his leadership faltered because he feared people more than he feared God. He often relied on his own judgment rather than God’s clear instruction. His legacy serves as an example, warning us of the dangers of pride, impulsiveness, and people-pleasing in positions of influence. Saul’s kingship is a study in leadership failure.
We are all called to lead in some capacity—whether in our families, churches, workplaces, or communities. Saul’s failure reminds us that spiritual leadership is not about asserting authority or seeking approval, but about humility and obedience to God. We must resist the temptation to make hasty decisions based on emotion or personal ambition. Instead, we are to seek the Lord’s will, wait on His timing, and lead with wisdom, patience, and faithfulness.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help those of us who are called to lead that we always seek to first follow You. It’s easy to see the mistakes that others make, but we are often blind to our own. Lord, we need Your wisdom and discernment. Thank You for giving us Your Spirit. Help us to hearken to His direction this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.