Devotion
– 27 May 2020
1
Sam 31 – THE COST OF DISOBEDIENCE
In this last chapter of 1 Samuel, we read about the death of
King Saul and his three sons who were killed in battle with the Philistines.
Initially, Saul’s life started very well, but sad to say, it ended horribly.
How did it happen that way? He disobeyed God and did not follow His
instructions and this has severe consequences. Because of his disobedience, he
no longer had the Lord’s protection. And in 1 Sam 15:26, it says because Saul
has rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord has rejected him as king over
Israel.
Saul’s disobedience does not just affect him alone but there
are consequences for everyone around him. In 1 Sam 31:7, it states, “When the
Israelites along the valley and those across the Jordan saw that the Israelite
army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns
and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them.” Saul’s death and the
army’s defeat tragically impacted the nation. His sin, disobedience, and
eventual ruin affected far more than himself and even his immediate family. It
literally endangered the entire nation of Israel.
Saul was the Lord’s anointed. He was chosen by the Lord to be
the king for the Israelites.
But
rather than trusting that God knew best, his self-image took first place in his
heart. Even though he is dying, he still did not repent. He did not seek the
Lord at that very last minute. He lost everything by losing sight of the only
thing that mattered: his relationship with the one true God. He could have
ended well – If only he would have taken sin more seriously, and repent before
it gotten worse. If only he could have been more concerned with what God thinks
rather than what man thinks about him. If only……
As believers,
we have the Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth. But when we
refuse to obey and consult the Lord, and are determined to go our own way, the
Lord will let us face the consequences until we finally repent and turn back to
Him.
Disobedience
is always costly when we do not do the right thing, in the right way, at the
right time. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). He
wants to do a great work with us. We need to stay on the right track and not
destroy all that God is trying to build in our lives. Let us trust and obey
Him.
Prayer –
Lord Jesus, thank You for
reminding me that disobedience is a form of rebellion towards You. Forgive me
if I have been disobedient to You in any way or in any form. Grant me the
divine strength to withstand any temptation that deliberately wants to draw me
away from You. Be my guide, teach me and help me to be obedient to Your Word.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray.
Amen.