“And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people” 1 Samuel 9:17

“Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the spirit of the Lord took control of David and was with him from that day on” 1 Samuel 16:13

Our bible exposition is based on King Saul and King David who were both chosen and anointed by God, but demonstrated different attitude after their incredible failures.

SAUL’S ATTITUDE

When Saul disobeyed the Lord's direct command, prophet Samuel confronted him in his sin. Rather than owning up to his sin, Saul tried to justify his actions (1 Sam 15:15). Instead of asking for forgiveness, in pride he followed the footsteps of Adam and argued that his sin was not that big of a deal. He pointed the finger at everyone else rather than pointing it at himself. Due to his sin and refusal to repent, the Lord left Saul and rejected him as King.

DAVID’S ATTITUDE

David too committed some horrific sins, but his response was very different from Saul's. Just as prophet Samuel confronted Saul with his sin, prophet Nathan confronted David. When the prophet called him out for his adultery and conspiracy of murder, David immediately responded "I have sinned against the Lord". (2 Sam 12:13) He took ownership of his sin rather than making excuses. However, David described in detail the thoughts and emotions he was experiencing during this time in a beautiful song, in Psalm 51.

Both Saul and David were great sinners, yet one was broken over his sin and the other was apathetic. One was a man after God's own heart, the other a failed and tragic king. As you look at the sin in your life, are you responding like Saul or David?

What God desires from us is true brokenness. Not self-justification. He requires a broken and contrite heart. In Matthew 5:3 Jesus preached about the beatitudes. The first beatitude rings a powerful truth "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". Those who enter into the kingdom of heaven are the Davids, not the Sauls.

Do not attempt to justify your sinful actions. Own up to them, plead for mercy and grace and He will take your filthy rags and give the riches of Christ. The bitter tears of brokenness are quickly covered by the sweet blood of Jesus.