The Importance of Staying Connected to God
What have you done? asked Samuel. Saul replied, When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor. So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering. You have done a foolish thing, Samuel said. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you, if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure, the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.1
Saul had everything going for him. In addition to being the son of a highly respected man, he was tall, handsome, and had an impressive presence (1 Samuel 9:1-2). Because God chose him for leading Israel at a time when the nation was facing formidable enemies, we can assume that he was also courageous and charismatic. Even the prophet Samuel spoke of him with admiration: There is none like him among all the people (1 Samuel 10:24).
But Saul spent much of his reign disconnected from God. His errors in judgment arose, in large measure, from an inflated sense of self-reliance. A single mistake brought about a chain of sins, as we see in his desperate and zealous pursuit to kill David.
When people value themselves more than they should (Romans 12:3), they cease to depend on divine guidance. Saul thought he knew more than God, ignored the law, and offered a sacrifice before battle rather than wait for Samuel, despite clear instructions. By refusing to obey, God gave the kingdom to someone who would obey (1 Samuel 16:13-14).
Pride always leads us away from God's way, but the Lord welcomes those who stray and return. Blessing and joy await those who walk with Him.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the sin of pride in my life. Forgive me for the times I have gone ahead of your will and disobeyed your instructions. Help me to always value your word and plans more than my own opinions. Thank you for your patience with me and for always welcoming me with open arms as I repent of my sins and ask for forgiveness. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. 1 Samuel 13:11-14 (NIV).
The Encounter for today was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.