{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Healing Eden, Part 17: Saul Anointed King","description":"In our study of the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation we arrive at the anointing of King Saul \u2013 the first king of Israel \u2013 an occasion of very mixed emotions. For Israel, at least at the beginning, it\u2019s moment of great joy, as they think having a king is the cure for what ails them. And, as we\u2019ll see, Saul absolutely looks the part of royalty. But when it comes to actually ruling in obedience to YHWH, that will be a different story. Which is going to be the problem with the monarchy in Israel for centuries. For Israel\u2019s desire to \u201cbe like the other nations\u201d is going to be far-too-fulfilled. And that\u2019s a problem that we will trace in future weeks. For now, we focus on Saul and the manner of his calling \u2013 which ultimately reveals a God who despite Israel\u2019s efforts to self-sabotage - will not abandon his people to their fate. So this story is ultimately a lesson in hope. And, as always, I\u2019d love to know what you think about it \u2013 about the sermon, the series\u2026the podcast as a whole. Or I\u2019d love to have you come and just say \u201chi!\u201d If you\u2019re up for it, you can reach me anytime via the contact link at jesusat2am.com, by sending me email, chatting with me on BlueSky, or finding me on Facebook or Instagram.  And while you're at it, might you be up for supporting the podcast? You\u2019re tax-deductible gift to Canvas is a major help. As are your prayers, your online reviews, telling a friend or two! Want to follow along with the biblical texts for this sermon? Here's the link: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 9:25-10:16 (NRSV).  ","author_name":"Jesus at 2AM - A Humorous, Intelligent Look at the Bible, Church History & the Life of Faith","author_url":"http:\/\/www.jesusat2am.com","html":"