Every story has an ending.

1 Samuel 31 is the end of the book, but it's also the end of Saul's story. Saul was the first King of Israel.

Decades earlier, the prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the inaugural king and commissioned him to lead God's people. Saul was told to lead Israel against the Philistines and conquer them.

Yet, 1 Samuel 31 ends with Saul conquered. Saul and his sons are killed in battle against the Philistines and their decapitated bodies hung on a city wall in shame. Saul's story ends in tragedy, disgrace, and failure.

But it didn't have to be that way.

Saul began his kingly career with a number of advantages. He was from the right tribe, from a wealthy family, looked like a king, had access to God's word through Samuel, and was led by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, God used Samuel to give Saul specific instructions on how Saul should act. Saul had every opportunity to succeed.

However, his life ends in tragedy rather than triumph.

Why?

Because Saul neglected and minimized God's Word. He valued his own agenda over God's agenda. He valued his ambition over Samuel's instruction.

Think of how this principle applies to you. How many advantages has God given you? How has God blessed you?

We often focus on what is wrong in life, but reflect for a moment on how much God has given you so you might know and follow him. He has given you his Word, his Sacraments, his Holy Spirit, and his Son. He has given you himself at the cross.

Saul was consumed by his own ambition and desire and neglected to follow God. Think of how God has blessed you and given you everything you need and then follow him. The path of Saul ends in tragedy, but the path of following the Lord ends in eternal life and the peace of God.