What kind of man was (King) Saul? Who was this one who made himself David’s enemy? Anointed of God. Deliverer of Israel. And yet, remembered mostly for his madness.
Forget the bad press. Forget the stinging reviews. Forget his reputation. Look at the facts.
Saul was one of the greatest figures of human history. He was a farm boy, a country kid who made good. He was tall, good-looking, and well liked.
He was baptized into the Spirit of God.
Saul united a people and founded a kingdom. Few men have done that. He created an army out of thin air. He won battles in the power of God, defeated the enemy again and again…
He was everything people today are seeking to be…empowered with the Holy Spirit…able to do the impossible for God. A leader, chosen by God, with power from God.
He was also eaten with jealousy, filled with self-importance, and willing to live in spiritual darkness.
Many pray for the power of God. More every year. Those prayers sound powerful, sincere, godly and without ulterior motive. Hidden under such prayer and fervor, however, are ambition, a craving for fame, the desire to be considered a spiritual giant. The person who prays such a prayer may not even know it, but dark motives and desires are in his heart…in your heart.
Even as people pray these prayers, they are hollow inside. There is little internal spiritual growth. Prayer for power is the quick and the short way, circumnavigating internal growth.
There is a vast difference between the outward clothing of the Spirit’s power and the inward filling of the Spirit’s life.
In the first, despite the power, the hidden man of the heart may remain unchanged. In the latter, the monster is dealt with.
Interesting thing about God, He hears all those requests for power, which fervent young men and women pray, and He answers them!
Very often, He grants these requests for power, for authority. Sometimes, in answering them, He says yes to some very unworthy vessels.
Why does God do such a thing? The answer is both simple and shocking. He sometimes gives unworthy vessels a greater portion of power so that others will eventually see the true state of internal nakedness within that individual.
So think again when you hear the power merchant. Remember, God sometimes gives power to people for unseen reasons. A person can be living in the grossest of sin, and the outer gift will still be working perfectly.
The gifts of God, once given, cannot be recalled. Even in the presence of sin. Furthermore, some people, living just such lives, are the Lord’s anointed…in the Lord’s eyes. Saul was living proof of this fact
The gifts cannot be revoked. Terrifying, isn’t it?
What does this world need: gifted men and women, outwardly empowered? Or individuals who are broken, inwardly transformed?
Keep in mind that some who have been given the very power of God have raised armies, defeated the enemy, brought forth mighty works of God, preached and prophesied with unparalleled power and eloquence…
and thrown spears,
and hated other people,
and attacked others,
and plotted to kill,
and prophesied naked,
and even consulted witches.
– Gene Edwards, A Tale of Three Kings
