Day 4

AN APPALLING CHANGE

"And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever." ! Sam. 13:13

When the Ammonites threatened Jabesh-gilead Saul led his people into battle for the first time (1 Sam. 11). He was filled with righteous indignation (1 Sam. 11:6) at the treatment of the city by his enemy and his fearless demonstration of determination (v 7,8) was a vivid witness of God's leading to Israel. The Ammonites were soundly beaten; proof to Israel that Saul was God's man for the hour. They reacted by declaring death to all who now opposed him (v 13) but Saul himself forbade them. Sure of God's will for him he humbly gave the credit for success where it truly belonged - on God (v 13). That day Saul won the acclamation of the people and they made him their king (v 15).

Two years later things had changed completely. He lied to his people (1 Sam. 13:3,4,7) was unwilling to wait for God's guidance (1 Sam. 10:8 ; 1 Sam. 13:8-10) and even deceived himself about his own motives (1 Sam. 13:11,12). He was found out in his presumptuous disobedience and instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness he stubbornly tried to lie his way out.

In 1 Cor. 9:24-27 Paul compares the service of God to a race in which it is imperative to finish in order to gain the trophy. Even he had the fear that after preaching faithfully to others he might be disqualified for the prize! Why? Does this mean we cannot be sure of our salvation?

Why was Saul rejected? There are two other incidents which show clearly the kind of man he became - the story of Michmash (1 Sam. 13:23-14:46) and the destruction of Amalek (1 Sam. 15:1-33). Had Saul committed the unforgivable sin (Mark 3:29)?

God in Heaven, please give me a humble and upright heart so that I may never reject your Holy Spirit.