Welcome!
Today: God’s things: God’s time, God’s way!
Passage: 1 Sam 13, NIV
8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.[e]” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel. (1 Sam 13)
Saul, as the King of Israel, had to take on this fight against Philistines, as advised by prophet Samuel (1 Sam 10)
When we go on the offensive against the enemy, we have to be more careful than at other times. Make sure we do everything as per the word of God
Here,Saul waited for prophet Samuel for seven days, as he was told to
Naturally speaking, what Saul did looks all right. Should Saul have waited until all his men left him?
Many a time, when church leaders see that the church is about to split or so, they may come up with something of their own, to keep the people together
But then, there is always a man’s way of doing things and God’s way of doing things
Samuel told Saul to wait for seven days; but read the following carefully
8 “Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings,[b] but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do.” (1 Sam 10)-emphasis added
Samuel specifically told, to wait until Samuel came!
For example, I have seen people ignoring the “baptism” part in the great commission (Mt 28:19, 20) and talking about everything else (go, make disciples, teach!)
Here, Saul was waiting for a chance! Now that it was seven days, Saul said in his heart, “that’s it. Now it is my turn to act responsibly for my people”
But then, the people are God’s. Saul cannot just do what he wants
So offered the scarifice himself. Then he also justified himself, instead of repenting. That was even a bigger sin than the first!
The response from God was not a 100 page verdict. Instead, it was short and simple. In essence, it was: “You are out!”
Saul tried to “cling on” to his chair for long after that, but God had him “out” that very day!
Many are still on their “chairs” long after God has dismissed them!
But then, we have a question: ” wasn’t that a BIG punishment for a small thing?”
God is just. He don’t over-punish anyone. But when someone plays with worship/God’s stuff, it is very serious!
What we think as “small” could be very BIG for God!
Have a blessed day
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for another week. Many a time, I have neglected your things in the busi-ness of my life, but I now know that it could cost me so much in life, if I neglect my prayer/bible reading. Help me Lord. Amen
“ If we can wait for God’s time and way, we can’t miss God’s provisions”