Saul would remain the official king of Israel for many years to come, but in the eyes of God, his kingship comes to an end in this passage. Saul fails once again to obey the commands of God. He then fails to truly repent. This is a heart-searching passage that challenges us to consider what truly turning from sin looks like.

The mission of Jesus' Church is fuelled by the Spirit whom Jesus has sent, as he promised. Whilst there can be much confusion and controversy over the person and work of the Holy Spirit, here we see clearly one of the main purposes of his empowering Christ's followers: so that we can be witnesses of the risen Jesus!

King Saul had everything he needed to be a successful king, and the summary of his kingship is positive in many ways; but he failed in the most important area, that of obedience to God's Word and cultivating a heart inclined to Him. Here we consider three questions to diagnose a straying heart.

The risen Jesus has left his apostles with a wonderful mission to accomplish. But before it begins, they are commanded to wait in Jerusalem. As they do so they important foundations for church life that still apply today: obedience, prayerfulness and unity. These foundations enable them to deal with a serious problem that could have derailed their witness before it got started.

Jonathan was the prince who would never be king. He provides a stark contrast with his faltering father, King Saul. Where Saul was full of fear in the face of the Philistine threat, Jonathan was full of faith. We learn here the importance of looking to our one pioneer in the faith, who raises us up with him to enjoy his victory - just as Jesus does for all his people.

Acts is the greatest sequel ever written, the follow-up to the Gospel of Luke. Acts is about what Jesus Christ is continuing to do in the world today, by his Word, Spirit and people, the Church. Amid all that the Christian Church could do today, Jesus tells us what we must do: be his witnesses!

Saul's time as God's chosen king is over almost as soon as it begins - because he fails to obey the commands of the Lord. Though we may sympathise with the pressure Saul faced, we must heed the lesson that in times of fear, we must call upon God in faith.

Saul was Israel's ideal choice of king - but their motives in demanding a king were wrong from the start. After a great victory, Samuel calls the people - and their king - to renew their allegiance to God, the sovereign Lord who had always provided everything they needed, and their true King.

The people have demanded a king - rejecting the kingship of God in the process. Yet, God graciously provides them with one. More accurately he provides them with another deliverer, a saviour - Saul. Here we see how God specially empowers his king for service.

The people demanded a king, and God provides one - but in the way and at the time that he deems best. His guiding and providing of Saul shows that God's King subverts our expectations - as does his providing of King Jesus!