FAITH CAPSULE: Half obedient is full disobedient the evidence of rebellion before God.

1 Samuel 13

War of Philistines against King Saul and Israelites must have prompted Prophet Samuel to prayerfully seek word of God for King Saul. Samuel gave word to King Saul, “You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do.” (1 Samuel 10:8) Waiting on God demands watching and praying. Saul received word from Samuel and could not watch for Samuels warning word of message but reacted outside of watching. It is written, “Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.  So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came…” (1Samuel 13:8-10) Half obedience is not obedience it is disobedience. When man falls into temptation, disobedience will count against man as rebellion. Rebellion is resistance or opposition to the word of God. Saul could not wait through the seventh day which was Samuel’s warning word of message. Saul rebelliously offered the burnt offering which was against the word of God. King Saul rebelled before God.
Consciously or unconsciously, is rebellion your way of life? Is rebellion your pattern of approaching to the word of God? God responded to Saul’s rebellious act, his disobedience as stated, “And Samuel said 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. ¹⁴ 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) Half obedient is full disobedient the evidence of rebellion before God. God sees all, the eyes of the Lord run to and fro watching for those who watch to wait on Him not to rebel. Consequence of rebellion is critical. Saul’s rebellion dis-established him over Israel and God replaced him.
Avoiding act of rebellion: Watch out and not be a victim of complaining which is the result of discouragement and breeds fear outside of God, in the face of enemy. Also, keeping eyes on God’s testimony is an avenue to overcome challenges. David’s testimony propelled his victory over Goliath as it is written, “…The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Allow the word of God to sanctify you for His glory.

Prayer for today: Ask God for His glory to be established in your heart.