I’m sure each of us has an idea about “what we’d like to see” in a new pastor. Some would like a pastor “young enough” to relate to the youth, while others may want one who is "older and more mature," so that he will be able relate to those who are retired. Some may want a dynamic speaker, an evangelist, a visionary or a strong, dynamic leader. Better yet, let’s find someone who can “do it all.”

King Saul is a sobering example of what happens when God’s people have their own idea about what their leader should look like, rather than trusting in God himself for their provision.

In 1 Samuel 8, the elders of Israel went to Samuel and asked him to “give us a king to lead us.” Samuel warned the people of the consequences of their demand, but they refused to listen, saying “No! . . . We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations with a king to lead us . . .” So, God gave them what they wanted and instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as king.

Now let’s be clear. The people didn’t get to “vote” for Saul. But when God appointed him, I’m sure they thought he was exactly what they were looking for and what they “needed.” Saul must have been a sight to see. In 1 Samuel 9:2, we’re told that he was a “choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel” (NASB). 1 Samuel 10:23 says “They ran and brought [Saul] out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others” (NIV). Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people” (NASB). In other words, Saul was handsome, impressive and had a “kingly stature.”

But remember, appointing Saul as king was not God’s idea. Samuel told the people that he was appointing a king because they had rejected God as their king (1 Sam. 10:9). Basically, God gave the people over to what they wanted. Later, Samuel told the people “[y]ou will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the LORD when you asked for a king” (1 Sam. 12:17). And you know what, the people responded by confessing that “we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.” (1 Sam. 12:19). That’s quite a change of heart, and Samuel responded that the LORD would not reject his people. Nevertheless, at the same time, it was too late to change direction – they had a king.

Appearances can be deceiving. Saul may have “looked” right, but he wasn’t what the people needed – a leader who would encourage their obedience and reliance on the LORD.

Saul was anointed king in chapter 10. By chapter 13, Samuel has told Saul that because of his disobedience, his kingdom would not endure (1 Sam. 13:14) and in chapter 15 Samuel tells Saul “You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel.” (1 Sam.15:26). God went on to have Samuel anoint David, “a man after God’s own heart,” as king (Acts 13:22). But Saul’s reign continued and he lasted as king for 40 years - a sobering thought as to the long term consequences of demanding our own way, rather waiting on the LORD and his provision.

I would suggest that we (yes, me included) are way too fickle to allow us the luxury of trusting in what “we” want in a pastor. Instead, we need to pray diligently that God would show us who and what we truly need, and that he would be bring to us the man that he has chosen to help lead our church at this time.

~ Bob Bylsma