Church discipline is sorrowful but necessary, as sin among us brings sorrow and grief. But sorrow can be turned to joy with sincere repentance, at which the church should extend forgiveness unto the goal of restoration.

Faced with a massive problem, Saul fell back on his flesh, trusting himself instead of God. We are called to a walk of faith. Trust Christ and walk by the Spirit in obedience to God. That is what it is to be a man or woman after God’s own heart.

Things happen and things can change, but neither God nor the gospel of Jesus Christ ever change. God’s promises in Jesus are certain, which gives us confident assurance in our salvation.

Although Saul was anointed and proclaimed king of Israel, he hadn’t yet acted like it. Eventually, he rises to the occasion when trouble presents itself. As he does, Samuel reminds the nation that even the king had a King, that the ultimate Sovereign Authority over Israel was still Almighty God. Our King is King Jesus!

Will we endure trials, even to the extent that they seem overwhelming? Yes. That does not make us less Christian; it makes us more dependent on our Rescuer and Redeemer, Jesus.

The king we are to follow is the king that God chooses for His people. He has chosen a King for us – we need to see Him for who He is and continue declaring His kingdom to all the world!

Our trials and sufferings would consume us if it were not for the comfort that God gives us in Christ Jesus. And the comfort He gives us, He uses within us as we comfort one another in the church. Praise God for our God of comfort!

Although Samuel was perhaps the best judge in Israel’s history, the nation still rejected him. Worse yet, they rejected God. Thankfully, God’s sovereignty trumps the sinful choices of men and women.

Although the ark of God was captured by the Philistines, it did not mean that the Philistines conquered God. Quite the opposite! Our God is alive and our God is to be feared.

Jesus has a role for each of us to play in the Great Commission, both locally and globally. His church is far bigger than one local congregation. We need a kingdom perspective, serving not our own needs, but the will of Jesus for His church!