Have you ever patted yourself on the back and thought, “God must be really proud of me right now!?”
Like Saul, we tend to justify our actions when we really haven’t listened to what He said. We take the framework of Christianity and loosely tailor God’s instructions to meet our needs.
Today’s reading from 1 Samuel seems harsh. I’ve always struggled to reconcile the stern God of the Old Testament with the compassionate Christ of the New Testament. But we need it all. The story is not complete without both.
The takeaway for me today is that I need to really listen to the Lord. I need to obey what he is saying, not my interpretation of it. I need to avoid modifying or revising his Word when it doesn’t fit conveniently into my life.
God’s “inconveniences” are necessary for change. I can try to soften the blow and make myself more comfortable, but that’s not what God wants. He wants me to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and know He’s in charge. This can feel like punishment and the God of the Old Testament is known for His punishments.
But it’s the God of Samuel who will offer his Son and change the world. Sometimes we need the story of Saul to make us sit up and take notice - to examine where we are and where we’re headed. Are we following our own rules and patting ourselves on the back for a job well done when we really need to take another look and repent?
Father, thank you for the stories of the Old Testament that make me stop and listen. It’s hard sometimes to see you in that light, but you are a God of infinite wisdom and power. Make me obedient to your will and walk in your ways during both the struggles and the victories because it’s all for your glory. Amen
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