HCC Weekly - February 10th

Saul’s Disobedience

Pastor Rachael

After the Israelites went through a period of time where they had judges who ruled over them, they still wanted a king. So, God appointed the first king over Israel, his name was Saul. By all appearances, Saul was a good choice to be king. He was tall, he was handsome, and he was blessed by God. However, Saul made some choices that cost him his throne.

In 1 Samuel chapter 13, we see the first rejection of Saul by God.

“And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue…’” (1 Samuel 13:13-14a).

Saul’s disobedience brought about a serious consequence for him, the cessation of his kingdom. All the kingship of Israel relied on the authority of God. When Saul disobeyed God, his kingship over Israel was broken.

But, this is not the only time that Saul disobeyed God. In chapter 15, the Amalekites had just attacked Israel. God saw what had happened, and he promised justice to the people. He told Saul, “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.” (1 Sam. 15:3).

However, Saul did not do what God commanded. Instead of destroying everything, he spared the king of the Amalekites, Agag, and the best and fattest of all the livestock.

In response to this, God said to Samuel, “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commands. (1 Sam. 15:11).

Saul had become very proud of himself and was behaving like the kings of the other nations. He even made a monument to himself. Instead of repenting to God, he lied and made excuses - which eventually led to David becoming king over Israel.

This week, I want to encourage you to remember to follow God’s commands and repent when you sin. Don’t be like Saul and turn away from God and make excuses. Take responsibility for your actions and always remember who is the One True King.

Have a blessed Monday.