In the 10th chapter of lst Samuel we are told about the anointing of Saul, the son of Kish, to be the first King over the Children of Israel. Saul is very tall, strong, handsome, and athletic but somewhat lacking in character. God had Samuel, the prophet and High Priest, choose Saul because it was likely that no other candidate could receive the approval of a majority of the population. God often gives people the leadership they deserve rather than the leadership that would be best.
In the 11th chapter we see King Saul’s first major test of his character. Ammonite King Nahash decided to conquer Jabesh-Gilead, a city in King Saul’s country. In those days when a king conquered a city it was customary to kill all the able-bodied men so the city would stay conquered and could not engineer a coup d’ etat. The men of the city made a proposal to King Nahash: let us live and we will be your slaves. Nahash replied, “If I agree to that I will put out the right eyes of all your men. (I guess Nahash thought men with only one eye would not be very dangerous soldiers.) The men of Jabesh-Gilead asked for a week to think this over and to discuss other options. Then they sent word to King Saul to please come and rescue them.
Saul was furious that anyone should threaten to harm his subjects, and the Spirit of God came upon him. He took a yoke of oxen, cut them in little pieces, and sent one piece by way of messengers to every city and village in his kingdom with the message, “Men, come and help me rescue our brothers in Jabesh-Gilead. If you don’t come I will cut up your oxen like I did these.” Three hundred and thirty thousand men responded. They rescued Jabesh-Gilead and killed all Armnonites that were threatening them. This is probably the most noble action King Saul did. Too many of his other actions were shameful and wrong.
Today, in the Middle East, ISIS has decided to conquer not just one city, but dozens of cities and villages. It is their custom, in each region they conquer, to demand that all religions convert to Islam. Christian families that stay true to their faith have three options: (1) flee from their home country, thereby losing all ability to provide food, shelter, and clothing; (2) stay where they are and pay enormous fines and taxes; or (3) be killed. Millions of endangered Christians have sent word to the United States of America saying, “Please come and rescue us!” What is our President doing about it? He goes on vacation and plays golf. What is Congress doing about it? If they are doing anything I am not aware of it. What are Christian churches doing about it? Mostly nothing. A few have made some rescue attempts, at great risk to their own personal safety, on a scale far less than what is needed.
Although King Saul was somewhat lacking in character, I guess it might be fair to say American Christians and American leaders are worse. Am I wrong?