1 Samuel 15:1-17:31
The Lord gave King Saul a chance to redeem himself by obeying a direct
order — to destroy the Amalekites. However, Saul had forgotten his humble
beginning and the Lord who had established his throne. He outright defied the
Lord’s command and did things his own way.
Once rulers taste the sweetness of power, they often lose
sight of its source. It is God who raises up kings. He is sovereign over all earthly
thrones; and, anyone who has delegated authority is accountable to the one who loaned
it.
Thus, all rulers must answer to God for their stewardship of His
authority.
Even kings, dictators, and Presidents must set God’s law above their own or pay
for their arrogance.
Saul did not carry out the Lord’s assignment, and he even went so far
as to claim credit for the victory by building a monument to himself (15:12). When Samuel
confronted him about these things, Saul dodged responsibility and made excuses
for his actions. He failed in this point — he sought to please
himself (1 Sam. 15:12) or to
please the people (15:24), instead
of pleasing the Lord (v.24). He did not take
obeying God seriously but only reverted to obedience, or repented of his
disobedience, when his own way did not work or when it made him look good (v.30).
As a result, God rejected Saul as being Israel’s King. He would give
his throne to another “better than him” (15:28). Thus, the Lord sent Samuel to anoint David,
son of Jesse, as the next King of Israel, even while Saul was still on the
throne. While Saul was the people’s choice for king, exhibiting all of the
external qualities, God’s choice of a king is based on admirable internal
qualities. As the Lord told Samuel, “People judge by outward appearance, but
the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions” (16:7). In other words,
David was chosen king because he had a heart for the Lord, a true desire to
please Him instead of himself.
Daily Reflection
Before we move on to follow David’s meteoric rise to fame, let’s focus
on the obvious lesson for today — obedience. Samuel said these cut- ting words to Saul,
“What is more pleasing to the Lord, your offerings and sacrifices or your
obedience to His voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice! Listening to Him is
much better than offering” to Him (15:22, 23).
Summarize Samuel’s statement in your words.
Do you love the Lord? Then obey the Lord. Do you want to please Him? Then do what He says. Do you desire to
serve God? Then follow God. Like Saul, what you say matters little if you do not carry out His
commandments. What you intend is second to what you do.
Also, your obedience not only includes what you do, but when you do
it, how you do it, and why you do it. What do you do? All that God asks of you.
When? Without delay! Delayed obedience is disobedience. How? To the fullest! Partial obedience is
disobedience. Do not obey God as you see fit, but obey God has He prescribes. Why?
Not out of duty, but out of love, love for who He is and what He’s done for you
(John
14:15, 21).
So then, whom do you live to please — yourself, other people, or the Lord? Who
has your allegiance and obedience?
BiAY.org | Day 103 — 262 Days to Go
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