No, it’s not my stage name. There have been many “kings” that have gone before me. The King of Rock, The King of Pop, and I am sure there is someone that either in their name or in their hype is the King of Rap or maybe that would be spelled Kg Rhyme. I know there are still kings of many countries including our Canadian figurehead in our constitutional monarchy. The desire for royalty even popped up in the USA starting with their first leader after getting rid of the British monarchy, George Washington.  Americans had what was the closest thing to a royal family in the Kennedys and some might argue that the current president with all his executive orders is in a way being like a king. But I digress. I am King Saul even though my name is David!

I have been influenced to speak by the Spirit of God.

As a New Testament follower of the only true God, my opinion of the role of the Holy Spirit includes the inspired speech that was the constant companion of those who followed Jesus recorded from Matthew to Revelation. Not being a Cessationist, I believe that we can be, and many have been, inspired to speak through the power of the Spirit of God in ways that might be called prophetic. We often look at this as a New Testament and beyond (for non-cessationists)  but, “When [King Saul] he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.” 1 Samuel 10:10 (NIV) I am King Saul as I have had the Spirit of God instruct me to speak in ways beyond my understanding that may even be called prophesying.

I have received position because God has chosen me.

I look back and see that I have taken on a position that I in no way on my own would be called to fill. It is humbling to see God place me into leadership roles that He had been preparing me to take on for all my life. I even have had a few Samuels in my life, when I wasn’t sure I was the one, the person best suited to lead. While I have had people pray for me and anoint me with oil as prescribed in Jame 5:14 I have never had anyone appoint and anoint me into a position like King Saul. Still, people have urged me to take on roles I never considered and welcomed me into roles that only God could have predestined me to fill. I am King Saul as I have been placed in roles I never considered except that God stepped in and called me.

I have seen God work through me.

I have never fought a battle or even led an army from afar. I have not seen the losses or the victories that come with ruling over a kingdom. I have, however, seen the pain of defeat and the joy of success while leading people in the work of the kingdom of God. The battles that are fought not against flesh and blood but against the darkness and powers beyond human life Ephesians 6:12 and they are long and hard but they are worth it. I am King Saul as I have fought, with God on my side, those that would threaten all that is good and Godly.

I have gone to others instead of God.

No, I haven’t consulted witches or spiritualists nor people who talk to the dead. I haven’t strayed so far that I have embraced other religious practices. I have, however, often chosen the words of those that are more likely to tell me what I want to hear than the God who will only tell me what I need to know. When things aren’t clear, when the future seems dim, I look for instruction and insight from people I trust before the God I claim to trust. I am King Saul as I have from time to time placed my trust in humans to divinate my future rather than the

divine who holds the future.

I have been given so much from God, but God wasn’t enough.

I have had great opportunities to serve God. He has proven Himself faithful time after time without exception. No matter how things were going, no matter whether they were good or bad, God made a way for me to have more than I ever deserved. The day I followed Jesus I already received more than I deserved. Actually, that isn’t 100% accurate. The day God planned the death of His son I was offered more than I deserved. The opportunity to have eternal life rather than what I deserved and quite frankly still deserve if you look at my life rather than the blood of Jesus, is more than enough but God didn’t stop there. He offers me a chance to serve Him. I am not good enough to work for Him but He not only allows me, He trains me, inspires me, coaches me, encourages me and most importantly provides for me. Why would I look elsewhere? Why would it not be enough? I really don’t know but I can say I am King Saul. With all God has offered me, the life I have filled with blessings and gifts from above, I still pursue things that are not part of His plan and desire things that are of this earth. “Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.”… 1 Samuel 15:10-11

I am King Saul, after all the Lord has given me and after the many times He has proven Himself to be the only one I can trust to instruct me on how to live and what to pursue, I still find my way and the ways of the world entice me to say I want more.