IF THE NARRATIVE MUST CHANGE: Insights from Saul’s Enthronement
I Samuel 10:20-11:14
Rev Adetola Ipadeola, PhD
Dearly beloved,
I like to share with you a few insights that you need to have, master and pray to manifestation as you trust God for a change of status this year. It is all drawn from Saul’s journey, not just to the throne but, to enthronement. His experience, which is still palpable in contemporary times, set a clear distinction between being on a throne and being enthroned. It is similar to the distinction between holding the title of an office and having the mantle of authority in the office.
So, if the narrative concerning you must change,
- divine choice and announcement as well as physical stature (status or possession) may not suffice. I Sam. 10:20-27
Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” (v. 24) Physically, Saul’s appearance was kingly. He was a head taller than any others (v. 23)
Yet, some scoundrels said, ‘How can this fellow save us? They despised him and brought him no gifts…(v. 27)
No matter who endorses one, whatever one has or looks like, some people will still despise one in life.
- fighting back or talking back at offenses may not be wisdom. I Sam 10:27b
“But some scoundrels said, ‘How can this fellow save us? They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.”
- you may need to hope and pray for problems you are equipped (prepared) to solve. I Sam 11:1-3
Jabesh Gilead got in trouble with Nahash the Ammonite who threatened to gouge out the right eye of everyone and thereby bring disgrace on all Israel. The elders of Jabesh needed a saviour urgently (within seven days) from the impending terror of the Ammonites.
- You must be willing to take up leadership role that makes you responsible to solve the problem, even if/where you are not assigned. I Sam. 11:4-5
Incredibly, the elders of Jabesh did not imagine Saul, their new king, the earnestly sought saviour. In fact, they did not even consider it worthwhile to report the matter to the king first or at all. They rather sent the messengers to report the matter in the city regarded as “Gibeah of Saul” yet the king Saul was not aware. He had to enquire himself about the predicament while the people lamented in despair.
“When the messenger came to Gibeah of Saul and reported these terms to the people, they all wept aloud. Just then, Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen, and he asked, ‘What is wrong with everyone? Why are they weeping? Then they repeated to him what the men of Jabesh had said…When Saul heard their words…he burned with anger” (I Sam 11:4-6)
While others heard and wept, Saul heard and burned with anger; such anger that drove him to action
- You must trust God for divine empowerment to do the needful. I Sam. 11:6
Meanwhile, “the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him,” (v. 6)
- You must arise to action in courage I Sam. 11:7-11
Then, Saul arose to lead His people. That day he became king indeed, commanding followership (v.7a). God’s Spirit upon him was accompanied with compelling terror (v. 7b), and three hundred and thirty thousand dauntless men were raised, ready to fight to victory. The result was that the people’s mood switched from lamentation to joy (v.9).
“The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.” (v. 11)
Wow, this same Saul? The one who hid among the supplies, for fear of being the king of Israel (I Samuel 21-22)? He arose to leadership action in courage. You may also have to, if the narrative concerning you must change.
- Forbid a vengeance or retaliating spirit I Sam. 11: 12-13
The tendency to revenge offenses when one arrives is human. Saul’s people reported the scoundrels who despised Saul, notably not to Saul but, to the prophet Samuel for proper divine judgment of death (v. 12). Before Samuel would have a chance to respond, Saul interrupted “No one will be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel.” (v. 13)
Hmm, the LORD rescued Israel, not Saul? What a heart! It must be this heart that saved Saul from error just a moment before the earth will confirm the heaven and what was ordained in heaven will come to pass.
I see a matter that you and I must not ignore here. The knowing that “it is the LORD…” at whatever height of victory or accomplishment. It will deliver from human proclivity to self-ruin divine purpose and waste divine timing.
Then, for Saul, the narrative changed. The actual glorious enthronement happened for him.
“Then Samuel said to the people, ‘Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship. So all the people went to Gilgal and made Saul king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration.” (I Samuel 11:14-15)
Following these seven insights, you are next to document for generations, the change of narrative concerning you from mockery to glory.
Paraphrased excerpt of a message preached at New Heritage Baptist Church, Ogbomoso on Sunday, September 22, 2024 by Rev Adetola Ipadeola, PhD