Joel M Bradshaw

12Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” 13But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” 14Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” 15So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.–1 Samuel 11

Another good early moment in Saul’s reign.

1. ACCOMPLISHMENT. Saul delivered a city that had been threatened by a foreign enemy.
2. MOTIVATION. Saul seemed genuine in caring for the people and wasn’t focused on himself. The Saul we meet later in his career will be different!
3. AFTERMATH. The people wanted to put to death the ones who had previously questioned Saul’s rule. Saul showed grace here.
4. GOD. Saul’s speech proclaimed that God had saved Israel. He promoted God and not himself. His actions had intended to glorify God and do good for his people. Samuel obviously agreed. This attitude wouldn’t always be the case for Saul.

This is as good a moment as any to have a heart-check. Do you show grace to the undeserving? What are your motivations as you go through life? Is your story more of God’s glory or your own?–JMB