Saul, the Failed King (1 Sam 13-15)

Impatience. People-pleasing. Presumption.

That's what Saul struggles with as his leadership is tested and found wanting. These are common human struggles. We all get impatient and want stuff to happen more on our time-line than God's. We all want to be liked by those around us. And when we make a choice that isn't right, we can tend to presume on God's grace.

Jesus dealt had his moments when impatience could have derailed his mission - the disciples were pretty slow on the uptake. But he walked with them, worked with them, and loved them. He's still doing that with us.

Jesus could have bowed to the pressure to lead the people of Israel as they envisioned the Messiah. He even told his disciples at his arrest that he had the authority to fight back. But Jesus lived to please His Father and to glorify His name and purposes.

Jesus took on humanity, lived a fairly normal life for 30 years. He did not presume on His position and power, but entrusted Himself to the Father's purposes. He lived and served in humility.

Patience. Truthfulness. Humility. All the things Saul failed in, Jesus lived fully, and He calls His people to live likewise.