Saul had become, in many ways, his own god. He had become rebellious against God by making God's desires and commands secondary to his own. He wanted things his way, and couldn't understand why as king, he couldn't always have it so. We see now how Saul is beginning to slip mentally and emotionally. We sense his frustration, and we are about to see his desperation as David grows in stature as Saul declines.
The reality we all face is that we are not perfect, and as we age, at some point, we will be replaced by the next generation. The promise that we show as youth is almost always far more excellent-- event perfect --than the reality we later experience. Who can argue with potential? Once we've lived, and had our shot, we have little potential... only our record. And yet, it is our past that is most predictive of our future. But the world celebrates potential over past. Saul has seen his best days. And now, he spends his days with one who shows enormous potential because he is called and anointed. Sadly, Saul's record is tarnished, so not only does he have little potential, he has little to show.
Readings: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23; John 8:1-20; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 15:8-10
