Who Are You After? Saul, David, the Soils, and the Churches
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 13:14 (KJV) – “…the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart…”
Introduction: What Are You Chasing?
Every one of us is after something. Some chase status, others approval, others comfort or security. But the real question for believers is: Who are you after?
God rejected Saul as king because his heart was not aligned with obedience. But He raised up David—a man after His own heart. Later, Jesus told a parable about four types of soil, each revealing how people respond to God’s Word. And in Revelation, He addressed seven churches, exposing their spiritual conditions.
When we bring these lessons together, a pattern emerges. The condition of our hearts determines whether we live like Saul or David, whether we thrive or wither, whether our church resembles Philadelphia or Laodicea.
Saul: A Heart for People’s Approval
Saul looked the part. He was tall, impressive, and chosen as Israel’s first king. But his heart revealed cracks.
He offered a sacrifice out of impatience (1 Samuel 13).
He obeyed partially, sparing what God told him to destroy (1 Samuel 15).
He made excuses instead of confessing.
Saul’s problem? He feared the people’s opinion more than God’s command. His heart was shallow, divided, and ultimately hardened.
David: A Heart for God’s Presence
David was far from perfect. His sins were serious and public. Yet he always returned to God in repentance. His prayer in Psalm 51:10 says it all:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Where Saul covered up sin, David confessed. Where Saul sought man’s approval, David sought God’s presence. His legacy was not perfection but pursuit.
David was good ground—yielded, receptive, and fruitful.
The Parable of the Sower: Four Kinds of Hearts
Jesus described four types of soil (Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23):
Wayside (Hard Heart): Word stolen before it takes root.
Stony Ground (Shallow Heart): Word received with joy but withers in trial.
Thorny Ground (Divided Heart): Word choked by cares, riches, and pleasures.
Good Ground (Surrendered Heart): Word embraced, obeyed, and multiplied.
Saul resembled thorny and stony ground—his obedience never put down deep roots. David embodied good ground, producing fruit through worship, repentance, and faithfulness.
The Seven Churches: Heart Conditions in Revelation
Jesus spoke directly to seven churches in Revelation 2–3. Each one parallels the soils:
Ephesus – Shallow: began strong, lost first love.
Pergamum – Shallow: compromised under pressure.
Thyatira – Divided: tolerated sin.
Sardis – Hard: alive in name, spiritually dead.
Laodicea – Divided/Hard: lukewarm, self-sufficient.
Smyrna – Good Ground: faithful in suffering.
Philadelphia – Good Ground: held fast to God’s Word, fruitful in obedience.
Some churches looked alive but were barren. Others endured faithfully, producing fruit even in persecution. Just as soils reveal heart conditions, so do churches.
The Big Picture: Who Are You After?
When we put Saul, David, the soils, and the churches side by side, the message becomes clear:
Saul = shallow, divided heart → loss of kingdom.
David = good, surrendered heart → man after God’s heart.
Some soils = fruitless under trial or distraction.
Good soil = fruit multiplied.
Some churches = rebuked for compromise, pride, or deadness.
Smyrna & Philadelphia = commended for faithfulness.
God isn’t impressed by appearance, position, or reputation. He’s looking for a heart that is soft, surrendered, and faithful.
Personal Reflection
Ask yourself:
Am I like Saul—concerned with image, excusing my disobedience?
Or like David—repenting quickly, chasing God’s presence?
Am I hard, shallow, divided, or surrendered?
Which church do I resemble: lukewarm Laodicea or faithful Philadelphia?
A Call to Action
The Spirit’s call is the same today as it was then: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Don’t settle for shallow faith. Don’t let thorns of distraction choke your fruit. Don’t be lukewarm. Instead, pursue God’s heart with all you have.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, soften my heart. Uproot every thorn of distraction, every stone of pride. Break up the hard ground and make me fruitful for Your kingdom. I don’t want to live for applause, comfort, or image—I want to be after Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Final Thought
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being after. Who are you after? Saul was after the people’s approval. David was after God’s presence. What about you?
