Sometimes God Ain’t Playin’

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13 says, ”

¹¹ “What have you done?” asked Samuel.
Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, ¹² I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”

¹³ “You acted foolishly,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. ¹⁴ But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”

Observation: Samuel had made it clear earlier that he would come down to administer the burnt offering to the LORD. Saul became tired of waiting on Samuel and decided to take matters into his own hands. He seemingly does a good thing by burning an offering to God so that He would be pleased and assist the Israelites in winning their battle against the Philistines. Once Samuel makes it to Saul, he finds out that Saul burned the offering. Sammy goes on to tell Saul, “Bro, seriously, what were you thinking? Now you will lose your job to another who will be the man God has desired.” As we know, Saul looses his kingship to another man after God’s heart, David.

Application: Sometimes God just isn’t in the mood to play around. Saul knew what he was to do, but disobeyed (which is kinda a theme for Saul throughout his career). God desires obedience more than sacrifice. Why is it easier for us to sacrifice than just obey? Because one takes faith (obedience) and the other takes action (sacrifice) and in my opinion action is always easier than faith (unfortunately). God is full of grace and mercy, but does that mean that we abuse it? NO. Read Romans. So what is the application of this story of Saul? Obey God! Obey his commands, do what he says, play by his rules. I’m not trying to get anyone legalistic here, but we should desire a life of obedience and holiness. Easier said than done, I know, but it’s a goal that we should all desire.

Prayer: God, you know I don’t have it figured out. So please help me to obey your commands, I can’t do it without your strength. You have given me through your spirit what I need to do what you ask.