It’s important to have a good start, but we must remain diligent to ensure that we finish well. King Saul is a case study of an individual who had an auspicious start but finished poorly. Saul’s first challenge came when he defended the people of Jabesh-gilead and Saul won a decisive victory. Saul’s critics were silenced and he responded with grace and dignity:

Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is he that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has accomplished deliverance in Israel.” (1 Samuel 11:12-13)

A good start however, does not guarantee a favorable finish. Perhaps Saul became prideful, but rather than waiting for Samuel, Saul assumed the priestly office:

Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. “But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:13-14)

This passage reveals that Saul placed his priorities above God’s priorities. The decisive act occurred when Saul failed take responsibility and disobeyed God. Notice Saul’s use of the pronoun your:

Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” (1 Samuel 15:20-21)

Saul did not realize that partial obedience constituted total disobedience.

Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Do we comprehend the tragic consequences of disobedience? Rebellion is choosing our way rather than God’s way. God was not a priority in Saul’s life as Saul was more concerned with his image and asked Samuel to worship before your God:

Then he said, “I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.” (1 Samuel 15:30)

Who is at the center of your life? You may have started well, but you must keep God at the center of your life so that you may finish well.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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