From Start to Finish: Saul's Test of Leadership | 1 Samuel 11:13

Are you ready to have your leadership tested from beginning to end?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 11. I've titled this chapter "The First Test of Saul’s Leadership."

The key verse of this chapter is verse 13, which reads:

But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.” — 1 Samuel 11:13

This statement by Saul is awesome. It demonstrates his ability to steward the leadership authority he was given by God. Throughout this chapter, we will watch as Saul fights for the vulnerable, defeats enemies, leads the people to salvation, and even (right here) spares those who were early dissenters.

This chapter is a profound example of Saul's spiritual leadership. But as we all know, Saul begins well yet ends poorly. And guess what? God is concerned about how you start but even more about how you finish this life. You begin this life in a deficit, as a sinner. God's hope is that you will finish this life as victorious saints, holding dearly to his salvation until we take our last breath. Saul did this life in reverse, exactly the opposite of what he intended for you to do, which led to a tragic end.

I recently competed in a 10-mile obstacle event. About 6 miles in, I came to one of those American Ninja Warrior obstacles with the ascending and descending monkey bars, rotating wheels, and rope swings. As I was approaching, I slowed my run to decrease my heart rate and found an open lane that I wanted to get in. Five steps away from my lane, a 30-year-old guy in pretty good running shape jumped right in front of me. I was a little irritated with him but I bit my tongue thinking, he is young and probably ready to go. So he stood there, wiped his hands, and then he could tell he was out of breath. He had run too hard to the starting line. He stood there for about 90 seconds, trying to catch his breath, while I became more and more irritated with him. I looked for another lane, but there wasn't one, so I waited until he finally took the leap about 2-minutes in. He grabbed the first bar and fell straight into the pool of water beneath. Seconds later, I jumped up and flew over him and this 54-year-old man completed the obstacle while he was wading in the water below. I don't share this to gloat, but your enthusiasm at the start is irrelevant if you are not prepared from the start to finish the race.

So today, set your sights on the finish. Aim to finish well because it's irrelevant how you start the race of life. The only thing that matters is how you finish.

#LeadershipTested
#FinishStrong
#SpiritualLeadership

Ask This:

How does Saul's decision to spare those who opposed him challenge your own approach to handling dissent and opposition in leadership roles?

Reflecting on Saul's journey from a promising start to a tragic end, what steps can you take today to ensure you finish your own race of faith well, consistently honoring God until the end?

Do This:

Set your eyes on the finish and then come in sliding.

Pray This:

Father, guide me in stewarding the leadership roles You've entrusted to me with humility and wisdom, reflecting Your grace and mercy in all decisions. Help me to finish my race faithfully, keeping my eyes fixed on You until the very end. Amen.

Play This:

O Come To The Altar.