Today’s Reading 1 Samuel 13-14
Focal Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:14 “but now your reign will not endure. The Lord has found a man after his own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over his people, because you have not done what the Lord commanded.”
Not following the Lord’s command can have big consequences. They can affect other people but the biggest impact is on the person who does not follow. This is where the reading takes us today. Saul was poised to have another great battle and victory. However, before this was to take place he was supposed to wait on Samuel the prophet.
In his impatience and fear Saul performed the sacrifice to the Lord. He was afraid of losing the battle but in his disobedience he lost favor with God. You might be asking what the big deal is? After all he followed the sacrifice standard and offered it to the Lord. The problem Saul had is that he needed to wait on Samuel and only the priests were to sacrifice to the Lord. Saul then learned because of his disobedience that his kingship would not las forever. That another was chosen to take his place. One who followed after God’s heart.
Leaders today can get a in a hurry. They often think they know best. They will fight and argue their ways. In reality they are called to submit to the leadership of God and his commands. When fear or impatience clouds leadership problems will result. I have witnessed many leaders fail or cause sever problems because they had to be the person in charge. Even though they said they listened to God they trusted their own judgement more.
This thinking will cause ruin. It will ruin homes, relationships, and churches. Good leaders are those who submit to Christ. They do what he asks. Even when it gets difficult and even when it looks like their is no hope. Bad leaders lean on their own knowledge and emotions. This will cause loss of hope and loss of leadership. You can make it for a certain amount of time but eventually not following God will be exposed.
The challenge for us is will we do what God asks or will we find our own way.
Tomorrow I plan on reading 1 Samuel 15-17
