1 Samuel 15:9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely….
Saul was given very specific directions from God through Samuel about what he was to do—utterly destroy the Amalekites, wipe out everyone and everything, but he was unwilling. He even went so far as to try to justify his disobedience as obedience, saying that what he spared was to sacrifice to the LORD.
1 Samuel 15:12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor….”
God knows our hearts. And Saul showed his true heart when he set up a monument in his own honor, when he tried to justify his disobedience, and when he tried to blame his disobedience on others when his justification failed. I stop short in my judgement of Saul when I realize I’ve done similar things myself to try and justify my own disobedience. Jesus, help me.
1 Samuel 15:13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for showing me not only my similarity to Saul (deliberate disobedience, justification and blame, building up my own honor) but also my differences (I see my disobedience. I want to turn away from my pride and realign myself fully with You). Help me, Lord. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Samuel 15:20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me….”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.