Carina Francke

Obedience touches the Lord's heart; it pleases Him; it gives Him joy. People who do His will are, "a man (or woman) after His own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14).Obedience of His children takes priority, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22).

King Saul just could not obey God's commands precisely. In 1 Samuel 13, the Philistines are ready for battle, but Saul had to wait for the prophet Samuel, God's mouthpiece, to give him his orders and to seek the Lord's favor by sacrificing burnt and fellowship offerings (1 Samuel 10:8). When Saul saw the heavy armed numbers of the Philistine army, the fearful and deserting Hebrew men as well as Samuel who did not arrive yet, he disobeyed, "So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering" (1 Sam 13:12).Fear for people, circumstances and flying time, sank his obedience. He chose a short cut.

Foolish! Samuel arrived. To wait is very often a test for one's faith and character - unshakable faith that He who gives the orders, will come through for you, and the will to set aside your "Self". Saul failed the test and had to bear the consequences: it cost him his kingship - even though it only happened later in his life. After all, "the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart", an obedient person (1 Samuel 13:14).

Saul's second instruction from the Lord, was to destroy the Amalekites, as well as everything they owned. Again, Saul did not obey precisely - he spared the life of the Amalekite king as well as some of the best and second best livestock. God's response to this, "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions" (1 Samuel 15:11). Saul knew better, or so he assumed.

Saul responded as he usually did. He excused himself and blamed his men - it was their desire to bring offerings to the Lord. His own will and fear for people, yet again became the cause of his disobedience to the Lord (v24). Samuel called his disobedience and unwillingness to admit to his guilt, rebellion and arrogance, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).

You and I should not allow that our fear for people, our wilfulness, our pride, or our refractoriness stand in the way to do precisely what the Lord says. When the Word and the Holy Spirit address a lifestyle habit in our lives, we need to obey because He has every minute of our today, and tomorrow in mind when He gives instructions. Our disobedience because of refractoriness, brings us on a course leading away from Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be willing and bold to do what You say without questioning. Amen