Slow Fade of A King
Published March 30, 2026
1 Samuel 28-31
Monday, March 30, 2026 l Dick Patterson
As we come to the end of 1 Samuel, we can’t help but reflect on how far King Saul had fallen. Chosen by God and anointed by Samuel, Saul seemed to have everything the world could offer—power, position, and influence. Yet his downfall came when he chose to rely on his own understanding instead of waiting on the Lord (1 Samuel 15). From there, a pattern of disobedience and poor decisions followed, even after moments of remorse.
Though David showed him mercy time and again, Saul returned to jealousy and pursuit. His desperation eventually led him to consult a medium—something clearly forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:9–14). What a sad story we read about a man who was great, but in the end made his final bad choice by taking his own life.
Saul, like so many of us, was controlled by jealousy, power, and fear. If we are not careful, these same struggles can overtake us, leading us to become wise in our own eyes rather than trusting God’s timing.
History is filled with countless examples of people who, like Saul, chose their own way and faced the consequences.
I can see this in my own life as well—moments where my decisions not only dishonored the Lord but also led to real pain. Yet even in that, there is hope.
Praise the Lord that His mercies are new every morning. God is patient and gracious, faithfully guiding us as we walk through life. My prayer is that each of us would keep our eyes fixed on Him and learn to wait on Him—no matter how difficult it may be.