“Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, 12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 13 “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” ! Samuel 13-7-14
Almost from day one, King Saul failed at being a good king. Not only did he hide in fear at his coronation, but he also took it upon himself to offer sacrifices to the Lord without waiting for the Prophet Samuel. Saul had been appointed to lead Israel but not to seek favor from or counsel with the Lord. Samuel was God’s priest and prophet; Saul was the king.
So when Saul assumed the priest/prophet role and offered burnt offerings to the Lord before going into battle, Samuel nearly lost his mind. Saul had been told to wait for Samuel and did so for seven days, but then he became impatient and took it upon himself to serve as priest, prophet, and king. This was not okay!
When Samuel arrived, he said, “You have done a foolish thing. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you.” As a result, “your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people.” And why did all this happen? Because Saul did not keep the commands of the Lord.
Sometimes we think our offering to the Lord will bring His pleasure. But if we do not remain obedient to Him—and He knows our hearts—He will not honor our offerings. Our sacrifices to the Lord are only worthy when given out of a pure heart and perfect intent. Saul had neither, and so Samuel brought the bad news: Saul’s kingdom would not pass on to his sons, and God had chosen another to rule in his place (i.e., King David).
How foolish Saul was to think he could manipulate the Lord! He gave in to the temptation of believing he had the authority to circumvent God’s ways. Do we think the same thing? Do we believe holiness can be achieved through a casual pursuit of the Lord? Do we think we can toy with sin and still be blessed? The truth is—only God brings favor, and our response to Him must be birthed out of love and obedience.
Today, I find myself striving to walk in God’s ways. Am I perfect? Hardly! Do I face temptation? Daily! But I recognize my need for His grace and my total dependence upon Jesus. He is my strength and my shield. He will uphold me and guide me in the way that leads to eternal life.
Will you turn to Christ today? Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your perfect grace and kindness. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your love. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.