READING: 1 Samuel 15-16, Luke 10:25-42
“For rebellion is as the sin of divination . . . .”
1 Samuel 15:23
Occasionally, I realize that I’ve remembered part of a Bible story or a verse, but I for some reason missed another part of it. That’s one reason why reading the Bible year after year brings enjoyment and enlightenment: there’s always more to learn. I’ve read the story of Saul and the Amalekites many times, and I’ve typically caught the fact that Saul did not utterly destroy everything as Samuel had commanded him to do: “Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Sam. 15:3). In fact, I remember watching a movie years ago that began with Saul’s disobedience and quickly moved toward Samuel’s removing the head of Agag. It was a bit gruesome, actually, as the king’s head rolled toward the screen.
And then I remember these words as well: “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). It’s easy for me to preach and teach about the importance of fundamental obedience to God. After all, we can make all the religious sacrifices we want to make – go through all the motions of religion as we wish – but apart from obeying the Lord, our sacrifices and actions mean nothing. I know that truth.
What I didn’t recall as I read today’s devotional section from 1 Samuel is the next verse, perhaps because the words hit far too close to home: “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king” (1 Sam. 15:23). You see, I don’t practice divination. Especially given my interest in spiritual warfare, I fight hard to avoid anything that smacks of the occult, including even looking at a horoscope. I don’t have idols that I’ve created sitting on a shelf in my home. I can look at my life, compare it to these sins, and think that “I’m okay.”
But then I read the words of verse 23 again. I may not be into divination, but I am rebellious. My lack of idol figurines in my home doesn’t mean that I’m not at times insubordinate to God when I establish my own way and follow my own plans. I may not want to be like Saul, but I might be more like him than I care to admit. That reality ought to give me great pause as I make life choices today.
ACTION STEPS:
- Don’t diminish the significance of your sin today. Ask God to help you see it as it truly is.
- Turn away from rebellion and insubordination today. Do whatever God says.
PRAYER: “God, I can be just like Saul, I’m afraid. Forgive me. Help me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 17-18, Luke 11:1-28