We see two very different responses to those moments in scripture from King Saul and the Apostle Paul. When faced with the reality that their lives weren’t about their own personal gain, but about the work of God, these two men respond in vastly different ways – King Saul by giving excuses and clinging to the identity he had created, the Apostle Paul by embracing transformation and rooting his identity in who God created him to be. Today, we remember these men very differently, all because of the way they chose to respond in a critical moment.

Questions for Reflection:

• From what you know of King Saul and the Apostle Paul, how were these two men different?

• Have you ever found yourself suddenly outside of the spotlight, eclipsed by someone else’s achievements or greatness? How did you respond?

• In what ways is your identity dependent upon your own fame, ambition, and spirit? How can others encourage you as you seek to root your identity in who God is and who God says you are?

• Have you ever been confronted by the hard truth that your way is not the best way? How did you respond?

• As you move forward, which Saul will you be?

Practice:

This week, practice rooting your identity in who God says you are. Romans 8:15-17 says:

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Write this down and put is somewhere you can see it – start or end your day by offering it as a prayer, affirming your identity in Christ.

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