Thursday, February 11, 2010
From the Critic’s Corner
(I Samuel 10:9-13)
The change in Saul was both dramatic and immediate. Though we have no indication that young Saul had been a rabble rouser, it is obvious by the surprised reaction of onlookers that Saul had shown no propensity for the ministry (11). In fact, Saul’s uncharacteristic behavior became fodder for the idle gossips of his day (12). They simply couldn’t believe Saul’s change of heart, attitude, and actions.
In essence, the folks who took such a sudden interest in Saul were mere critics. As long as Saul remained mired in mediocrity and obscurity, he avoided the lashing of their tongues. But when he changed, when he rose above the crowd, when he exhibited an interest in the things of God, the pressure was on! And, so, Saul became the object of a derisive taunt, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Critics share several notable characteristics. First, they’re generally anonymous to history. In other words, history never records their names because they don’t matter—they never make a real difference.
Secondly, critics always arise against success. Had Saul just remained “Saul of Kish,” no one would have had a negative word to say. But let a young man rise to the top, and his success will earn the critics’ rage! Success always garners more critics than failure.
Thirdly, critics can inflict untold damage. Their taunt may seem insignificant; but it was another insignificant taunt spoken by idle women years later that led to Saul’s jealousy of David and ultimately to his ignominious death (I Sam. 18:7). Perhaps these early critics bent Saul’s nature toward the cynicism that later became his undoing. Whatever the case, let’s avoid the critics’ corner!
