In I Samuel 15 there is a gut wrenching account of events. As you read it you remember that it was a test if Saul would obey the Word of the Lord or not. While you have to wade through the disobedience and Saul’s willingness to lay the blame on the people there is another portion that tore at my heart.
It is the verses 22-30. There Samuel is telling Saul of how angry God is that he did not obey the commandment. So angry that HE has repented of making Saul king and has torn the kingdom from his hand. I don’t know about you, but I would like to think that at that moment I would fall to the ground in agonizing repentance. At first we think that is what is going on with Saul. But we would be wrong to believe that. Saul stands there hearing these words and at first acknowledges that he sinned. But then immediately he tells Samuel that yes I have sinned but honor me before the people by returning with me this last time.
Really??? My goodness! The man has just been told that God is through using him and all he can think of is not being embarrassed before the people. The truth is that type of heart did not spring up on that day. If you go back you will find from the beginning you will find that Saul always cared about appearances. He always wanted the people to like him and be loyal to him. He put the acceptance of man before the acceptance of God.
Saul’s life is such a lesson for us. We believe would never go to such lengths. In truth, any time we bow to the approval of a person rather than follow the commands of God we have committed the same sin. Too often we want to look righteous before people instead of letting God deal with the deep issues of our hearts.
Paul teaches us that there is a sorrow that leads to godly repentance. He makes it clear that there is a difference between sorry I did it and sorry I got caught. The scripture above seems to be the case of sorry I got caught. I don’t know about you but I want to have a heart so tender to the approval of God that I bow at any offense to HIS glory. I want a heart that searches the approval of HIS face rather than the applause of the crowd.
You don’t have to be in the public eye to have the temptation Saul bowed to. It can happen when we push our convictions aside in order not to offend a family member or a co-worker. God is looking for HIS people to stand when HE gives a command. Not to half way honor HIS Word but fully obey each commandment.
One difference between Saul and David was Saul wanted the people’s approval and David wanted God’s. I desire to follow in the footsteps of David, how about you?