We often find ourselves looking outward in search of strength, especially in uncertain times. When the world feels chaotic, when our communities are divided, or when fear seems to linger just beneath the surface of everyday life, it’s human nature to long for someone who will rise above it all and lead us to safety. Someone with answers, with courage, with vision. A leader we can see, hear, and trust.
But this isn’t a new longing. The ancient people of Israel felt it too. Long before presidents, kings, and elections, the Israelites asked for a human king. The Book of 1 Samuel captures that pivotal moment—the transition from being led by God to being led by men.
As we stand on the eve of an election, emotions are high. Confusion, hope, anger, and even apathy are swirling together in a storm of opinions and noise. In moments like these, it's important that we pause—not just to think, but to reflect on what Scripture says about leadership, sovereignty, and the deep human yearning to be led.
Let’s look back at Israel’s story to understand what happens when we seek human leadership over divine authority, and why, more than ever, we need King Jesus.
Israel’s Problem: Chaos and the Search for a Human Leader
The time before Israel had kings was marked by deep instability. The Book of Judges closes with the chilling words:
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25, ESV)
Without a central leader, moral and spiritual chaos abounded. Tribes were divided, enemies invaded, and justice was inconsistent. The people, exhausted and desperate, began to look at the nations around them—nations with strong kings and powerful armies—and wondered, Why not us?
Their request for a king came from a place of longing, but also of fear.
“Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” (1 Samuel 8:5, ESV)
They wanted security, unity, and the comfort of seeing someone in charge. A king would fight their battles. A king would give them a sense of national pride. But in their desire to be like others, they forgot who they already had—God Himself.
The Request that Displeased God
God’s response to their request was heartbreaking:
“They have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7, ESV)
God had been their King. It was He who parted the Red Sea, who gave them manna in the desert, who brought down the walls of Jericho. He had led them with fire by night and cloud by day. But now, they preferred the visible strength of a man.
God warned them:
“These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you...” (1 Samuel 8:11–18, paraphrased)
He spoke of conscription, labor, and heavy burdens. Their desire for a king would come at a cost. And when God sent thunder and rain during harvest as a sign of His displeasure (1 Samuel 12:17–18), the people were terrified. Yet even in His anger, God remained merciful, saying:
“Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord...” (1 Samuel 12:20, ESV)
We are reminded here: not every desire we persistently pray for is a holy one. Sometimes God grants what we demand, even when it’s not what’s best for us.
The Failure of Human Kings (Starting with Saul)
Saul seemed perfect at first.
“There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he... From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.” (1 Samuel 9:2, ESV)
He looked like a king. He was humble in the beginning, even hiding among the baggage during his coronation (1 Samuel 10:22). He led Israel to military victories and earned the people’s loyalty.
But power, when placed in a sinful heart, becomes dangerous. Saul’s downfall was swift. He disobeyed God by offering unauthorized sacrifices (1 Samuel 13) and by sparing the Amalekite king and livestock, against God’s command (1 Samuel 15). When confronted, Saul offered excuses instead of repentance.
God’s judgment was clear:
“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:23, ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul (1 Samuel 16:14), and he was tormented—by fear, envy, and a consuming hatred of David. Saul’s reign reminds us that external strength cannot compensate for a disobedient heart. Leadership without surrender to God always leads to ruin.
God’s Continued Plan and the Rise of David
Even as Saul faltered, God’s purposes never stopped. Samuel, heartbroken but obedient, anointed a new king: David, the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy.
“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV)
When David was anointed, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him (1 Samuel 16:13). David’s triumph over Goliath wasn’t about military might but about divine power.
“The battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” (1 Samuel 17:47, ESV)
David's leadership wasn't perfect—his later failures are well documented—but his heart was always drawn back to God. He modeled what Saul lacked: humility, repentance, and dependence on the Lord.
God’s plan wasn't derailed by Saul’s failure. It was fulfilled through David—a foreshadowing of the One to come from David’s own line: King Jesus.
Looking to God as the Ultimate Leader/King Today
In our time, we are just as prone to place hope in human rulers. We rally behind parties, personalities, and platforms, hoping they will save us from our troubles. But human leaders, even the best among them, are flawed. They will falter, disappoint, and eventually fade.
As elections approach, our hearts are stirred—sometimes with hope, other times with dread. But let us remember:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, ESV)
Jesus Christ is the only King who will not fail. He is not voted in, nor can He be voted out. He reigns now and forever, sovereign over every leader and nation.
“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17, ESV)
Let this truth shape how we approach our choices. Vote, yes. Participate, yes. But do not worship any human leader. Do not stake your soul on promises from a podium. Fix your eyes on the King who laid down His life for His people.
The story of 1 Samuel teaches us a hard truth: we will always be disappointed when we trust in human leadership alone. Saul failed. David failed. Every earthly king after them failed. But God never failed His people. He remained faithful, patient, and merciful.
In this politically charged time, may we pause and ask: Are we looking for a Saul or seeking after the heart of God?
Jesus is the King we need. He is the Shepherd who knows His sheep, the Savior who died for sinners, and the Lord who reigns with justice and mercy.
As we cast our votes, let us also cast our crowns at His feet.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and the government shall be upon his shoulder… Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6–7, ESV)
Let King Jesus rule—not just in our nations, but in our hearts.
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