April 13th~What is More Pleasing?

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