In a break with precedent God chose Saul son of Kish to be king over the Israelites. He was handsome, tall, everything the world expects a true leader to look like. Up to that time God had chosen the least likely folks to step into leadership. One might look at this all from the outside and call all of the predecessors a true cavalcade of losers. Think about it. Joseph, the youngest, a victim of his brother’s jealousy. Moses, a murderer exiled to the wasteland, Gideon, a coward hiding in a winepress, Samson, a man who though possessed a great gift was consumed by a monumental arrogance. All rose to leadership to accomplish God’s purpose.
Saul, on the other hand fell to the lowest point. Vanity, paranoia, greed, and cowardice all went hand in hand to demonstrate to the Israelites that the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel (Zechariah 4:6) ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty was true of leaders as well as the everyday person.
Jesus came as the least of the least in order that you and I might rise to the highest potential for God’s human creation. I for one am glad that success does not depend on my own skill or power, or even on my “good looks”. By His Spirit, Hallelujah!
Larry M Lawrence- Mysteries 