Whose Voice?

Under the leadership of Saul, God sent the nation out to fight against the Amalekites. This was because Amalek had opposed Israel when they were on the way up from Egypt. ( 1 Samuel 15:2) The directions from God were to devote everything to destruction which included mankind and beast. ( 1 Samuel 15:3) Therefore Saul led the people out to battle, the Amalekites were defeated ( 1 Samuel 15:7), but they spared King Agag and the best of the flocks and herds. They did, however, destroy all that was despised and worthless. ( 1 Samuel 15:9)

When Samuel went to confront Saul about his sin -- even though Saul claimed to have obeyed the Lords' command ( 1 Samuel 15:13) -- note his defense.

We read. . .
"(15) Saul said, 'They have brought them from the Amalekites, for THE PEOPLE SPARED THE BEST of the sheep and of the oxen TO SACRIFICE TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.'" ( 1 Samuel 15:15 ESV)

Samuel then pointed out the mission on which God had sent Saul and asked why he had not obeyed. But again, Saul claimed to have obeyed ( 1 Samuel 15:20), when in fact he had not fully complied.

Then again Saul stated. . .
"(21) But THE PEOPLE TOOK OF THE SPOIL, sheep and oxen, THE BEST OF THE THINGS DEVOTED TO DESTRUCTION, TO SACRIFICE TO THE LORD YOUR GOD in Gilgal." ( 1 Samuel 15:21 ESV)

It seems that then -- just as it is today -- if people will say something enough times they think it will begin to sound acceptable and okay, even though God has stated differently. It may have been a nice gesture, but it was NOT GOD'S WILL! Therefore Samuel went on with that familiar quote regarding it being better to obey than sacrifice. ( 1 Samuel 15:22)

Even then Saul was not done trying to excuse himself. A few more verses further we read. . .
"(24) Saul said to Samuel, 'I HAVE SINNED, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I FEARED THE PEOPLE AND OBEYED THEIR VOICE." ( 1 Samuel 15:24 ESV)

Saul did eventually acknowledge his sin. He had not obeyed as he claimed earlier. However, in a sense he placed the blame on the people. Nevertheless the blame still rested on himself because he chose the voice he would obey.

Is that not what sin generally boils down to; who it is we are going to listen to and obey? Sometimes we may be tempted to listen to and obey our own selves. Other times we can be tempted to listen to and obey the voices of our peers around us. But it is the WILL OF GOD that should command the attention of our ears and be surrendered to in obedience. We may not always know the why of God's commands, but as we acknowledge His Wisdom is above us and His Way is righteous, we should accept and UNDERSTAND HIS EXPECTATION is obedience. May we keep our ears inclined toward Him!

Have a great day DELIGHTING THE LORD IN FOLLOWING HIS DESIRES!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on God's Will