A Nation in Transition
Israel was at a crossroads.
Samuel was growing old. His sons weren’t walking in his ways. And the people were feeling the pressure — especially with threats like the Philistines looming.
So what did they do?
They asked for a king.
Not just any king. A strong, visible, impressive leader like the other nations had.
At first glance, it made sense. But there was a problem…
The Real Issue: A Shift of Trust
God saw through the request. He told Samuel:
“They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7)
They didn’t just want leadership.
They wanted control.
They wanted to be like everyone else.
And God gave them what they asked for:
Saul.
Saul Looked the Part
Tall. Handsome. From a noble tribe.
The perfect candidate — on paper.
But beneath the surface, Saul’s heart wasn’t fully surrendered.
And it showed.
He couldn’t wait on God.
He feared man.
He disobeyed clear instructions.
The result?
His kingdom cracked — fast.
What Kind of King Do We Want?
This story isn’t just about Saul. It’s a mirror for us today.
Do we trust in charisma, systems, or structure?
Or do we long for God’s presence — even if it doesn’t look “successful”?
What This Means for Missions
Especially as we intercede for the Muslim world, this question matters deeply.
Because many societies — like ancient Israel — rely on strong systems, hierarchy, and visible leadership.
But like Saul’s reign, these structures have limits.
What people truly need isn’t another ruler.
They need a King who sees the heart.
Our Prayer?
That Isa (Jesus) would be revealed — not as a foreign figure, but as the true King their hearts were made to know.
That just like Samuel, people would hear God’s voice.
And that, in every culture, God would raise up Davids — leaders after His own heart.
