Today’s reading: I Samuel 14, 15, 16; Psalm 26, 56, 86, 116, 146; Proverbs 26

I Samuel 15:11, “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.”

Over the past several months I have been taking some training classes each week. There is a young man that has been riding with me as he is also in the class. In talking with him I believe that he has never put his faith and trust in Christ for salvation. At night when I cannot sleep I often pray for people. This does two things. First it helps me to concentrate on something that is good and godly. Secondly I usually fall asleep. I can remember several times over the years not being able to sleep and as I lay there I pray for those I know and love. I know how Samuel felt as he prayed for Saul. I have been a part of some of this kind of all night prayer meeting if you will.

Saul had sinned against the Lord. God had given specific instructions about what to do in the battle; but, Saul did as he pleased and then even tried to blame shift and say that the people did some of it. This might be the truth; but, as their king and leader he was ultimately responsible. Look at I Samuel 15:22-23, “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” All Saul had to do is repent and do as the Lord had commanded him and he could have had restoration. Sadly, he did not and God judged him and took the kingdom from him.

Obedience is a matter of the heart. If you know what you are supposed to do and you deliberately ignore that and do as you want to do it is sin. King Saul had a sin problem just like you and I. I like what God told Samuel when he was looking to anoint the next king. Look at I Samuel 16:7, “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

So friend, how is your heart today?