Emmanuel Baptist Church

1 Samuel 16 puts us smack dab in the middle of Israel’s illusion, or maybe a better word for it is delusion. Israel had rejected God as their King and had instead opted to anoint a king of their own choosing - one that was like the other nations - impressive in stature, powerful in battle, and efficient in leadership. And he certainly delivered, to a certain extent. He was able to score some victories on the battlefield, provide national stability, and so on. But he was nothing but an illusion of strength. He was disobedient to the Lord. He was leading God’s people but was leading from a position of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. His leadership quickly became a disaster; unless the Lord intervened, God’s people would follow. Saul’s leadership is a perfect example of what happens when God’s people see things through their own eyes, rather than God’s. 1 Samuel 16 is all about putting on new lenses. Lenses that will never deceive, will never trick, and will never lead you into disaster. 1 Samuel 16 is all