FAITH CAPSULE: There is no reasonable excuse for disobedience before God.

1 Samuel 13:1-15

God called Saul when He sent Samuel, “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance” (1 Samuel 10:1-2) Samuel responded to God’s direction when he anointed Saul as the first king over the children of Israel. God is the Almighty and He knows the end from the beginning. The operation of His hands is not to be ignored but to be fully regarded to constantly fear of His holy name. God’s spoke to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” The word of God to Jeremiah testified to God’s awesomeness and confirms the truth that there is no hiding whatsoever before Him. Have you been called by God to serving Him in any capacity? It is a privilege to be called by God. To be called by God is one thing another thing is to be fully obedient in the line of God’s calling.

Saul, in the second year of his reign violated God when he despised God’s command. It happened when the Philistines gathered to fight with Israel. In process for the fight, the Israelites do not have military might to fight the war. As a result, they were afraid and they hide from the Philistines while some crossed over the border for their safety. While the trauma of the challenges posed by Philistines was troubling to the Israelites, Saul became compelled to assume priestly entitlements by offering a burnt offering. He also violated Samuel’s instruction for not waiting for seven days as commanded by Samuel.

At the arrival of Samuel, he spoke to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:13-14)  Saul had his excuse for violating Gods command and his failure not to wait for Samuel. Saul’s reasons could not move God but it removed him from God’s plan. Saul despised the word of God as a result his kingdom was destroyed and he could not to be established over Israel. Saul focused on his challenge and became compelled. Do not lose focus on God or your concerns will compel you to despise God’s command.

Prayer for today: Ask God to help see you through in His assignment for your life.