Monday June 21, 2021

Today’s Reading: Samuel 13

Just as he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. So Saul went out to greet him, and Samuel asked, “What have you done?”

1 Samuel 13:10-11a

Reflection: Every situation of crisis is an opportunity to trust in God’s direction. Saul, who has been appointed King over Israel, has been given specific instructions by God through the prophet Samuel. Saul is told to wait seven days for Samuel to arrive, so that on the seventh day, Samuel can offer a sacrifice to God before Israel engages in battle with the Philistines. Unfortunately, Saul fails to follow God’s direction. On the last day of waiting, Saul hastily ignores this instruction and makes the sacrifice that Samuel is supposed to make for Israel. Saul acts in disobedience by doing the job that is reserved only for God’s prophet. He fails to trust in God’s direction as well as God’s work in others. Saul assumes authority outside his role as king, and in doing so, will lose his authority as king.

We miss out on the blessings of God when we work outside of His direction. Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to trust in God’s leading. Saul sees the fear in his soldiers around him, and the large number of well-equipped Philistines that are against him, and is so overcome by this sight that he chooses to take matters into his own hands. This can happen to us too. What we see around us can cause us to forget the greater, unseen things of God. But the cost of taking matters into our own hands is high. In Saul’s situation, he forgets that his kingly duty is to lead Israel in the practice of following God. As a result, Saul will lose his kingship over Israel to a new king that God will appoint in Saul’s place

Believer, take note of this lesson from Saul and make a point of taking all opportunities you see to trust and follow God completely. We are blessed when we follow God, not only because we are relieved from the burden of trying to make things work ourselves, but also because we can be assured that His way will work things together perfectly. There is no better way to live than by following His direction.

Prayer: Lord, Your faithfulness is incomparable. You never fail in the instruction You give to Your people. You never fail in executing Your perfect Will. Thank You that You do not leave me in uncertainty, but that by Your Word You direct and guide me in every situation. Please help me adhere to Your statutes, Lord. Show me how to live in complete trust in You. I pray all of these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Romans 4; 1 Samuel 13; Psalm 58