|
You might need to do a good reading of the Bible this time to understand this
article. I am reading 1 Samuel for my personal morning devotion. God
spoke to me from the life of king Saul about how we sometimes even
as wholehearted 'Believers' fall in the trap of good motives but
wrong doings.
While reading chapter 15 of 1 Samuel, I started realizing the mistake what king
Saul did. It would not be a mistake to say that we also commit the same
mistake very often. On the meditation of the scriptures in this
chapter, one thing became very evident - God is not as much interested in our
offerings, actions and activities but our attitude of surrender,
praise-worship and obedience.
 Samuel
replied (rebuking Saul), "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD. To obey is better than
sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like
the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you
have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."
[1 Samuel 15:22-23]
To understand the history in brief
- Sameul anointed Saul as king of Israel when God spoke to him to do so
upon the request of the israelites who did not want to live anymore under the
authority of the unseen King and Lord, the God Jehowah. God was not pleased
with this decision; however, he remained faithful to his covenant of
prospering, protecting and blessing his people.
In 15th chapter, we read that God commissioned king Saul to punish Amalekites
(by killing and totally destroying everything which belonged to
Amalekites) for their odd behaviour towards God's chosen people. Saul
obeyed his calling and went to fulfill this mission.
On his mission, he committed two mistakes:
1 - he took Agag king of the Amalekites alive (verse 8), and
2 - Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and
cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good (verse 9).
This is what was displeasing to God.
God was grieved (verse 11). Though, the motive what king Saul explained behind
his disobedience was good and right (as
he might have perceived it), but
obviously he did a wrong thing - he did not keep/follow/obey the word of God.
On reminding of God's command to Saul, Samuel received an unexpected reply.
Saul
answered, "The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best
of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but we totally
destroyed the rest."
[1 Samuel 15:15]
He not only insisted on his stand but he probably was pretty much convinced
(verse 20) in his own heart that what he did (for the Lord) was right and
pleasing to God, while it was not. He was more concerned about his own
honor
among elders of his people and before Israel (verse 30). He was not bothered to
honor God. This became a reason why God left him forever.
Sometime in ignorance or in our self-confidence, we overlook
the interests of God and we do many things pleasing to ourselves but
abhorred by
God. We involve ourselves in various activities (including service and
ministry) and feel convinced in our hearts that surely this is the will of God,
while it may not be. God
is not interested in our
activities but our
faithfulness. He has not
made us servants but sons
(and daughters).
I encourage you today to retrospect your own life as I am
doing it now. Who knows you might find certain things which we are doing
contrary to the will of God, though (with good motive) based on the word of
God, yet not in the will of God for us. We may have good motives, but if it is
not what God wants, leave it and rather obey and follow him!
Lets pray:
My heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I know I failed
many times to trust in you, in trying to understand your perfect will and
follow your commands. But today, I choose to put my hope in You and I pray thee
to show me your purpose and will so that I may follow you wholeheartedly. Help
me to give up everything which is not in your will and just walk by faith after
you, obediently. Thank you for loving me and helping me. In Jesus Name. Amen.
'A Scripture a day, keeps the devil AWAY'
* Italicised text in the verses added/paraphrased to explain the
context. |
