READ 1 SAMUEL 13
GO DEEPER
It might be overlooked by a casual reader how significant this chapter is in the history of Israel. The events in 1 Samuel 13 involve an ill-timed sacrifice and the depiction of Saul's soldiers resorting to paying for weapon sharpening. Why is this so crucial? This chapter signifies a pivotal moment in determining whom God will choose to further His Kingdom and sheds light on the beginning of Saul's leadership errors. The qualities sought in a leader in 1 Samuel 13 are still applicable today. To be effective instruments for God, it is advisable to heed the lessons from Saul's blunders in this chapter.
To give some context, Samuel had directed Saul to stay in Gilgal and await his arrival, as Samuel planned to make a sacrifice before the army entered into battle. However, as time passed, Saul became impatient. Observing the situation, he saw his soldiers growing restless, the enemy drawing near, and Samuel's absence. Seeing things not going according to plan, Saul chose to take matters into his own hands. Quickly, he carried out the sacrifice and presented it to God in a bid to seek His approval. Unfortunately, this decision led to negative outcomes as Saul's actions were considered sinful. Initially, Saul clearly disregarded Samuel's instructions. Furthermore, as a king and not a priest, Saul exceeded his authority by performing the sacred ceremony, which was meant for priests. Consequently, God revoked His favor from Saul going forward.
What mistake did Saul make? It boiled down to his decision-making process. His wrongdoing stemmed from the three perilous “I’s.” In verses 11 and 12, Saul justified to Samuel the hasty sacrifice by stating he did it because, “I saw,” “I thought,” and “I felt.” How often do we stumble into sin by acting on what we see, think, or feel? God doesn't want us to base decisions on our own understanding. Instead, obedience often requires us to set aside our own desires in order to follow God’s will. While God was looking for a man after His own heart (v.14), Saul was more focused on his own desires, leading to his disobedience. Today, let's consider what God sees, what God thinks, and what God feels about our situation. By pausing to listen, we can allow God to guide us instead of expecting Him to follow our lead.
QUESTIONS
1. What observations did you make about Saul in this chapter?
2. How does this chapter influence your perception of God?
3. Are your actions driven by what you observe, think, or feel when you sin most frequently? How can you prioritize God's desires over your own?