The God Who Gives Us What We Demand (1 Samuel 9-11)

What happens when God gives us what we want, even when what we want isn’t what we really need? In 1 Samuel 9-11, we meet Israel’s new king (who's a bit of a dud!) and discover what happens when God graciously works through our flawed hopes and expectations. Sermon Summary In 1 Samuel 9-11, Israel gets the king they asked for. Saul looks like the ideal worldly king - he is wealthy, handsome and unusually tall. But beneath the impressive appearance, Saul is an unlikely and inadequate leader. He is hesitant, spiritually naive and even hides when he is publicly chosen as king. Yet God graciously equips Saul with what he lacks, giving him his Spirit and transforming him into the leader Israel needs. When the Ammonites threaten God's people, God uses Saul to bring a great victory. But Saul recognises that the victory did not come from his height, strength or ability. As he says, "the Lord has rescued Israel." The story points to a deeper problem we all face. Like Israel, we can look to worldly things to save us - money, financial security, career success, achievement, travel or an impressive life. These things aren't necessarily bad, but they can become functional saviours when we put our hope in them to make us secure or complete. Yet worldly saviours always promise more than they can deliver. Ultimately, we need a greater King. Jesus is the perfect King who doesn't merely look like the Saviour we want - he is the Saviour we actually need. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeats sin and death and offers salvation to everyone who trusts in him.