SCRIPTURE: “From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. (HCSB)
QUOTE: “People can rationalize in funny ways to hold onto their dreams and needs.” —Jesse Plemons
NOTE:
In 1 Samuel 13: 6-15 what Saul did at Gilgal was deliberate disobedience—a very serious sin in the sight of God. Samuel had made it very clear as to what Saul was to do there (10:7-8). When Samuel delayed his arrival at Gilgal beyond the appointed seven days, Saul took matters into his own hands and made the offerings himself—a direct violation of the law of Moses as well as God’s specific instructions through Samuel. When Samuel finally arrived, he asked Saul in no uncertain terms what he had done, and the king justified himself with four excuses
- The troops were deserting him.
- Samuel was late.
- The Philistines were threatening.
- He wanted to seek God’s favor.
Perhaps what revealed Saul’s deceptive heart the most was when he said, “So I forced myself to offer the burnt offering”
What would have happened if Saul had fallen on his face before Samuel and God, and asked for forgiveness? Would God have given Saul another chance? Based on God’s grace in events before Saul’s time as well as what we know about later events, God may have extended His patience toward Saul.
ILLUSTRATION:
Ananias and Sapphira in the New Testament failed to take responsibility for their sinful actions. It was in the full light of God’s miraculous signs and wonders in Jerusalem that this couple lied to the Holy Spirit. Though Peter gave them both an opportunity to tell the truth, they continued the charade and subsequently faced the consequences: they both died! Predictably, “Great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things” (Acts 5:11).
REFLECTION:
What is your attitude towards disobedience to leadership?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Catch-up Day, Psalm 53