1 Samuel 15

We are a fearful people. In whom shall I fear, God or Man

April 14

1 Samuel 15:3 NASB

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.

God had decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came out of Egypt. Samuel gave the Lord's message to Saul, and Saul mobilized his army. Saul defeated the Ameleks, the problem is that he did not do all that God called him to do.

1 Samuel 15:9 NASB

But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

Later when Samuel confronts Saul and asked why he had not obeyed the Lord, Saul claims that he did. Then he goes on to say that he brought back the best to sacrifice to God in Gilgal. Here is Samuels reply:

1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT

But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD:

your burnt offerings and sacrifices

or your obedience to his voice?

Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,

and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,

and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

So because you have rejected the command of the LORD,

he has rejected you as king.”

It is easy to look at this story and judge Saul as a foolish man, but how often do I make the same mistake. The other day I was being obedient in writing every day where I saw God. The subject I chose that day was true and had been such a blessing to me, but it was not what God intended me to write. As I read the story of Saul and losing his Kingship it struck me that Saul feared man and not God. He "was afraid of man and did what they demanded" vs24 When the weight of all he had lost finally struck him, it was Samuel's forgiveness he sought not God's. He was still more concerned with the honor and respect of the people. Look at verse 15, and notice how he refers to God.

1 Samuel 15:30 NLT

Then Saul pleaded again, “I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the LORD your God.”

The LORD your God. Saul did not have a relationship with God, he relied on Samuel and wanted Samuel's blessing and approval. You may think that is how it was in the Old Testament, before Christ came and left us His Holy Spirit, but look at the life of David. Read the Psalms he wrote. There is a reason why scripture refers to him as a man after God's own heart. David loved God and sought His approval.

Whom shall I fear? Will the approval of God or man weigh more heavily on my heart? I choose God.