Saul was a king that the people wanted.  They wanted a king like the other nations had.  He was tall and manly.  God's people wanted a king that would ride out in front of them in battle.  They chose Saul.

Fast forward to the story of David and Goliath...Goliath was standing there shouting insults to Yahweh.  It didn't offend Saul.  It didn't offend David's brothers.  They were ready for battle, however the king that should have been riding out in front was remaining in the camp.  That is some king!  

Who was it that was offended?  David.  The boy.  He was so offended by Goliath's insult of God that he took matters into his own hands.  He killed Goliath.  Notice, the king was supposed to go out in front in battle.  The true and eventual king did that day.  David demonstrated what a king should have done.

David was the king that had his heart in line with God's.  It was through his lineage that the ONE TRUE KING would arrive on earth.  Just like David, Jesus led us into battle over sin.  He went out ahead to the cross...suffered and died...then triumphed over Satan and sin so that we may live with him forever in heaven.

In 1 Samuel we learn about Hannah & Peninnah.  We read about Eli and Samuel.  In each case, their response to grace is contrasted.  Hannah had every right to be upset with God and refuse his grace.  But, instead she embraced God and her suffering.   In the end, God blessed her with a son, Samuel, and eventually more children.  Peninnah should have been basking in God's grace.  But, instead, she turned it into jealousy, hatred, and bitterness.  Her response made her children nothing but a footnote in Scripture!  

Eli was a priest and had a family with two sons.  His response to grace was not good.  Instead of correcting his two boys of perversion, he let them run wild and desecrate the temple and God.  Eli's physical blindness was a indication of his spiritual blindness.   Samuel heard God's voice and became a faithful servant.  Samuel listened when God spoke.  His response to God's grace was admirable and faithful to the very end.


What is your response to grace?  Will you respond like Peninnah & Eli or like Eli & Samuel?