Divine Leadership, the Reign of King Saul, and the Mission of the Church

The Leadership and Reign of King Saul

  • Role and Early Successes: As the king of Israel, Saul demonstrated bravery in fighting against the enemies of Israel and was responsible for delivering the nation from its invaders.
  • The Disobedience and Fall of Saul: Despite his early successes, Saul eventually disobeyed the Lord. This led to a divine consequence delivered through the prophet Samuel.
  • Samuel’s Declaration to Saul: Samuel explicitly stated to Saul, "Because you have rejected the Lord's command, the Lord has rejected you as king."
  • Inability to Lead: Because Saul failed to obey the Lord, he could no longer lead the people.
  • Scriptural Narrative References: The complete narrative of these events in Scripture can be found in the following locations:
        * Judges 2:16,18Judges\,2:16, 18
        * Judges 5:31Judges\,5:31
        * 1 Samuel 1−151\,Samuel\,1-15

Kingdoms on the Earth and the Role of Judges

  • Failure of the Old Covenant: While residing in the Promised Land, the Israelites sometimes failed to maintain their side of the old Covenant.
  • Guidance from Samuel and the Judges: Samuel and the Judges served as leaders who helped the Israelites stay on the correct path.
  • The Transition to Monarchy: The Israelites eventually decided they desired a king. Samuel recognized that any king chosen had to be someone who would make decisions based on God’s desires.
  • Divine Selection: Samuel sought God’s help in selecting a leader, and God chose Saul to be the king.

Divine Promises and the Path of the Church

  • The Promised Land vs. the Heavenly Kingdom: Just as God granted the Israelites the Promised Land and provided leaders to help them remain faithful, He promises us a share in His heavenly kingdom.
  • The Church as a Guide: God provides the Church to guide us, similar to how leaders guided the Israelites.
  • Experience of Sin and Suffering: Like the Israelites in the land of Canaan, people today experience sin and suffering in the world.
  • The Role of the Church on the Path of Jesus: The Church performs two critical functions:
        * It helps keep individuals on the path of Jesus.
        * It spreads the saving message of Jesus throughout the world.

Ministry and the Mission of the Church

  • The Call to Witness: Much like Samuel, God calls every individual to carry out the mission of the Church and to provide witness to the kingdom.
  • Definition of Ministry: A ministry is defined as a specific way of serving and caring for other people in the name of Christ.
  • The Laity: The laity are defined as people who are active members of the Church but who are not part of the clergy or religious brothers or sisters.
  • Universal Service: All members of the Church are capable of serving its mission, including:
        * Clergy
        * Religious brothers and sisters
        * Laity
  • Specific Examples of Ministry and Service: Service can take many forms, including:
        * Caring for those who are poor or sick.
        * Teaching others about Christ.
        * Assisting with the liturgy.
        * Praying for others.
        * Working within the parish office.

Activity: Participation Through Gifts and Talents

  • Individual Call to Service: God calls individuals to participate in the Church by utilizing their unique gifts and talents to serve others.
  • Identification of Gifts: One is encouraged to list personal gifts and talents, which might include specific things one enjoys doing.
  • Application of Talents: Based on the identified gifts, individuals are to list specific ways they can use them to serve within the Church community.