October 25, 2023
Topic: PARTIAL OBEDIENCE OF KING SAUL
Text: I Samuel 15:10-23
Memory Verse: I Samuel 15:22b – Behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to heed than the fat of rams
We are in the days of social media hype and brand visibility as a lifestyle, even when you do not feel like; analytics have fed you the lie that you have to be consistent with your post to become an influencer. If you do not want to post, the social media apps have an algorithm that gives you reports of the previous and suggestions on how you should engage more. If one is not careful, this narrative can become an idol.
As Christians, anything that takes the place of God in our lives is an idol. We should learn from the accounts of the first King of Israel. He was a people pleaser and was more concerned about the acceptance of the crown than the opinion of God. He had clear instructions on the outcome of the war. Verses 18-19 stated that he was to destroy the wicked people, the Amalekites, wage war against them until they were completely destroyed and nothing should be left behind.
He partially obeyed because he allowed the soldiers to take the spoils of the war against the instructions of God. They took the best of the sheep, the fat calves, lambs, and everything that was good and spared Agag the king of the Amalekites.
As leaders, our decision-making capacity will be weakened when we compromise on standards. Surely, King Saul also took some things and had no moral right to prevent the others from doing likewise. He as the King ought to have led by example, honouring God through his obedience even if it meant enforcing his authority upon his army. Soldiers follow orders because the consequence of disregarding the order is very grievous.
This act led to God rejecting him as King. What a waste of opportunity! This morning let us learn from the failings of King Saul. When God gives us an instruction, we should not justify our disobedience by pointing accusing fingers to others. King Saul failed to take responsibility for the weakness of his leadership and that caused him his position. Partial obedience in not obedience.
We are in God’s army and as soldiers of God, let us not entangle ourselves with the affairs of this world. Many suggestions and subtle rebellious actions go on these days because we want to be politically correct and culturally correct especially among us as Christians. The standard of God has not changed and should not be toyed with. Remember as the prophet said, God does not have delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, but in obedience. It is possible that you have been justifying your actions using worldly standards, please repent today. The ways of God are not our ways and we cannot justify the spiritual with our limited physical understanding.
Prayer: Thank you, father, for your word; I come today before you seeking to know you more. I yield my will to you and ask that you help me to follow your instructions. As many people look up to me for direction, help me not to lead them astray and I will not disappoint you. I pray for grace to be fully yielded to you, daily seeking to obey you, so help me God, Amen.