LISTEN AND OBEY
Things change when we come up with our own plans on the spot instead of following the Lord’s direction. King Saul was given some very specific commands from the Lord as to what the Lord wanted him to do, Saul’s charge was to… (I Sam. 15:1-17:1)
3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”
It was pretty clear that this was to be a total destruction of all the Amalekites, the king, and everything they owned and had. The Amalekites were Israel’s enemies and had opposed the Lord’s plans. Total obedience was expected of Saul, the new king, but he chose to save the best and their king as trophies for his glory. He even set up a monument to himself in verse 12. It may seem like a harsh judgment for Saul, but it is a great reminder to us all that God’s commands are to be obeyed and followed. There is no “free pass” even for the king of Israel. Verse 22 states that, ”to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” Saul rejected God’s Word and did not listen. The consequences for disobedience are often far greater than we can expect, and when we get caught up in not listening to God, like Saul, it leads us down a path that can change the course of our life.
3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”
It was pretty clear that this was to be a total destruction of all the Amalekites, the king, and everything they owned and had. The Amalekites were Israel’s enemies and had opposed the Lord’s plans. Total obedience was expected of Saul, the new king, but he chose to save the best and their king as trophies for his glory. He even set up a monument to himself in verse 12. It may seem like a harsh judgment for Saul, but it is a great reminder to us all that God’s commands are to be obeyed and followed. There is no “free pass” even for the king of Israel. Verse 22 states that, ”to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” Saul rejected God’s Word and did not listen. The consequences for disobedience are often far greater than we can expect, and when we get caught up in not listening to God, like Saul, it leads us down a path that can change the course of our life.
by Jerry Hull
Posted in Read Through the Bible
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