Anointed Yet Human: Lessons from Saul and David

 Anointed Yet Human: Lessons from Saul and David

Anointing is a divine gift—one that cannot be purchased or earned through human effort. It is an otherworldly status, far beyond what any mortal power can bestow. Unlike the pursuit of enlightenment, which may involve journeys to meet sages and learn their wisdom, anointing comes solely from God, unbidden and sovereignly given.

Take Saul, for instance. In his time, he was the only anointed individual in Israel's royal class. The only others with this sacred status were from the priesthood. Anointing empowers its recipient to achieve feats far beyond human ability. When Samuel anointed Saul, his heart was instantly transformed, equipping him for a kingly role he could never have achieved through natural means.

However, anointing doesn’t override personality or free will. Saul’s choices reflected his natural inclinations, as seen when he disobeyed God's command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, sparing their livestock instead. This disobedience opened a door for evil spirits to torment him, demonstrating how his transformed heart still operated within the limitations of his human nature. Though he was anointed, he was not immune to fear, jealousy, or pride. He sought to kill David, who had been nothing but loyal to him, and even his own son, Jonathan. He consorted with mediums and ultimately fell on his sword in despair. Yet through all this, his anointed status remained intact—a sobering testament to the divine mystery of God’s calling.

David, on the other hand, was also anointed but was markedly different in character. His heart was fully aligned with God’s will, and this harmony was evident in his life and reign. Unlike Saul, David displayed deep contrition when he sinned. He sought God’s forgiveness, demonstrating a heart that valued repentance and restoration above all else. This inner alignment with God elevated David to greatness, not just as a king but as a man after God’s own heart.

David's respect for the anointed status was profound. Even when Saul's life was in his hands, David refrained from harming him, despite the urging of his men. He understood that the anointing was sacred—something no human had the right to violate. David felt guilt merely for cutting a piece of Saul’s robe, a gesture that underscored the weight he attached to God's chosen. No man could kill Saul; even his armor-bearer refused, leaving Saul to take his own life.

The lives of Saul and David illustrate that anointing is both a privilege and a responsibility. While it equips a person with supernatural abilities, it doesn’t erase human flaws or exempt one from the consequences of their choices. Saul’s life shows the tragic consequences of misaligned priorities, while David’s demonstrates the transformative power of a heart fully surrendered to God.

Anointing, however, isn’t confined to certain circumstances. God anointed Saul reluctantly, responding to Israel’s demand for a king, even though it wasn’t His original plan. Yet in His grace, God equipped Saul by transforming his heart, giving him every chance to succeed.

Still, anointing alone is not enough. As seen in Samson, another anointed figure, natural choices can lead to ruin. Samson’s supernatural strength, granted by God, enabled his victories but also his tragic end. His final act of bringing down the Philistines was both a triumph and a personal defeat.

Jesus emphasized the importance of internal transformation alongside external empowerment. While anointing is a divine endowment, a heart aligned with God’s will and purpose is the key to sustaining that calling. Without it, even the anointed can falter.

This timeless lesson reminds us that God’s gifts are irrevocable, but it is up to us to steward them with humility, obedience, and a heart fully surrendered to His will.