“Saul was thirty[a] years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-[b] two years. 2 Saul chose three thousand men from Israel; two thousand were with him at Mikmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. The rest of the men he sent back to their homes.” 1 Samuel 13.1-2
It’s always interesting to me to see the age of people in leadership and compare it to my own age. There is something psychologically reflective about seeing those in influential positions who are younger than me. At 55, I look upon the newly elected National Security Advisor, Tulsi Gabbard, who is just 43, and find it impressive. It’s hard not to compare where she is to where I am (not that I am unhappy; it’s just natural). Or consider the Vice President of the USA, who is only 40—that is crazy!
In this passage, Saul becomes king of Israel at just 30 years old. (My son Brian just happens to be 30 today! It’s so hard to believe that he is three decades old. I remember him in diapers!) But back to Saul, a 30-year-old king, a man who did not want or choose to be king. He did not run for the position or get elected; he was chosen by God because Israel wanted a king. In 1 Samuel 13, his age is noted, and it is stated that he ruled for 42 years. That is a long time! The new king selects a certain number of men from the tribes of Israel to be with him in Mikmash, as it would have been natural for a king to surround himself with soldiers.
The tenure of his reign is noteworthy. Jesus began his ministry at the age of 30 and continued for only three years before He was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again, sparking the revolution of God’s new church. Jesus only needed three years, while Saul reigned for over 40, and the outcomes were drastically different.
What we do with the time we have been given matters. But it often matters less to those around us than it does to us. Our time does not reflect our worth or worthiness. Our identity comes from who we are in Christ. It is not rooted in our accomplishments or lack thereof but in who Jesus says we are: dearly loved, a royal priesthood, sheep in His fold, children of God.
Saul was king for 42 years, and much of that time was disastrous for him and Israel. Jesus ministered for three years and changed the world forever. Whatever you do with the time you have should be directed toward serving and loving God and following His plan for your life. And what is that plan? To know and be known by God.
So today, do not be discouraged if those who are younger than you have accomplished seemingly great things. Your greatest accomplishment is loving God and serving others. Even if it’s only a handful of people, love them well. God sees you, knows you, and will be pleased with your life and the time you have been given.
“Oh Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for allowing me to find hope in your name. I praise you, Lord. Even if I feel like my impact is small, your work through me to make and create me is incredible. My contribution to the world might be limited, but my love for you endures forever. Help me, Lord. Free me from temptation. Allow me to walk in the way of holiness and to run from sin as I run to you. For you are good, and your love is endures forever.” Amen