Wednesday, April 26, 2023

SAUL OVERSTEPS HIS BOUNDS

Proclamation

“And Saul said, ‘Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings.  And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.  And Samuel said, ‘What hast thou done?’ ” 1 Samuel 13:9-11 (KJV)

 

Explanation

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the prophet Samuel.  Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba and angered the Philistines.  The Philistines assembled a very large army to fight the Israelites.  They were so outnumbered that the Israelites ran and hid in caves. (1 Samuel 13:2-6)  The men with Saul were afraid.  Saul called for Samuel but he did not come within the seven appointed days.  Then Saul took it upon himself to offer up a burnt offering and the fellowship offerings unto The Lord. (1 Samuel 13:7-9)  Just as he finished with the burnt offering Samuel arrived and asked him what he had done.  Saul explained his actions and his reasons but Samuel told him that he had done a foolish thing for he was not a priest.  Because of his impatience, and his disregard for the man of God, Saul would lose his kingdom to a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:10-14) 

 

Application

All too often we are impatient.  We want whatever it is that we want, and we want it right now.  We do not seem to understand the concept of waiting on The Lord.  Our impatience causes us to rush into things for which we are not prepared, or for which we should not get involved.  The Bible states that we are to wait on The Lord. (Psalm 27:14)  Some of our battles are not ours to fight. (Proverbs 20:22)  The Lord God will fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32:8)  We need to trust in The Lord and not lean upon our own understanding and abilities. (Proverbs 3:5)

 

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