Obedience to God
1 Samuel 13:10-13 (NLT) “Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, 11 but Samuel said, “What is this you have done?” Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. 12 So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.” How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever!”
King Saul was the first King of Israel. He became King at the age of 30 and served for 42 years. During his reign, he made a very big mistake, which was taking matters into his own hands. They were in a battle with the Philistines, and they were getting ready to attack. The prophet Samuel told the King to wait at the land of Gilgal until he arrived there to perform the special sacrifices to God. The problem is that most of his men were afraid and started to leave. After waiting seven days, Samuel still had not arrived, so the King took upon himself to perform the sacrificial ceremony with Samuel.
There are two problems with human nature that easily lead to trouble: Pride and Impatience. The wrong pride is the kind where you are telling yourself that you don’t need anyone else, you have all the credentials, you are the one in charge and in control. Impatience is having a bad attitude while trying to wait and deciding to take action to satisfy your wants and desires. Both Pride and Impatience have one thing in common; You.
God wants your obedience to Him more than any self-promoted sacrifices to appear righteous in front of Him. God hates pride, but He will test your patience. Patience is about your attitude while you are waiting. Patience is an opportunity to build your character and focus on your obedience to God. Disobedience to God will have serious consequences. The Prophet Samuel continues to tell King Saul the consequences of his disobedience.
1 Samuel 13:14 (NLT)” But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”
When King Saul no longer felt the presence of God upon him, he became very sad and started to do even more foolish things. Don’t let your pride and impatience lead you down the path of disobedience. You will regret not obeying God. So ask God where you have been disobedient to Him. He will remind you.
Psalm 128:1 “Happy are those who obey the Lord, who live by His commands.”
Be Blessed
Ron
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