The Mars Hill staff is in a series of devotionals drawn from the book, A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. We share highlights from the book each week, but we invite you to get a copy and read along with us. The drama is a multi-act play telling the stories of three kings. It is a portrait of submission and authority within the Kingdom of God; offering hope and healing to the spiritually wounded.

Chapter Four
Read 1 Samuel 18:10-16 for some background.

It is true that Saul was the first appointed king of Israel. It is also true that Saul got off to a great start in his new position as the Lord put His own Spirit upon Saul. However, as Saul began to embrace his kingship he began to rely on his own wisdom, making his own decisions which were sometimes in direct opposition to the Lord’s instructions.

As a result, there were times when Saul was not successful in his endeavors and other times when he made foolish declarations that he would later regret because of the bad consequences they produced. Saul’s repeated disobedience to God resulted in God removing His endorsement of Saul’s kingship. When Saul was made aware of this, it drove him quite literally mad.

In his madness, Saul became jealous and paranoid of those around him, particularly of David. (Read 1 Samuel 18:28-29) At times he even lashed out by throwing spears at David, desperate to hold on to his kingship. Yet the Lord had purpose for Saul to remain in his appointed position. There is no doubt that God used the madness of Saul to further prepare David for his own future role as king.

Who throws spears at you? If you find yourself serving under a “king” like Saul, how do you respond? How should you respond?

There are many situations in life where we are under the rule of another: parents, teachers, bosses, governments. We discussed the following truths about God that help us respond well, regardless of the kind of “king” we find ourselves under at any given time.

• God is never taken by surprise at the outcome of appointments, elections or affairs of men.
• God is the one who raises up both good and bad “kings” to accomplish His purposes in our lives.
• God is the King of Kings! Just like David, we are wisest to follow His leading!

“It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. -Psalm 75:7

But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. – Daniel 2:21

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. – Romans 13:1

 And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose… – Romans 8:28