Obedience: It is that serious

Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched.  1 Samuel 10:26 NIV

Look at that. Saul now has followers.  😀   

At one point, Samuel gives strict instructions to Saul to go and fight the Amalekites.  Samuel tells Saul to totally destroy every thing that belongs to the Amalekites and to kill all the people, too.   Found in 1 Samuel Chapter 15.

Saul and his army go and defeat the Amalekites.  But Saul spares the life of the Amalekite king.   Saul and his army also keep everything that they considered good.  So, back in the day, that would be the best of the sheep, cattle, fatted calves and lambs. 

Later Samuel goes to see Saul.   See, God has given Samuel the inside scoop.  God revealed to Samuel that Saul did not completely obey the instructions.  God, also, told Samuel that Saul would no longer be king and God had given the role to someone else. 

So, Samuel arrives to convey the message to Saul and my summary of the conversation goes like this:

Saul greets Samuel and excitedly says:  “Hey, what’s up, my friend. I did what the LORD asked!”  

I imagine Samuel pausing, and then looking up at Saul,  with resignation and saying,
“Hey, what’s up Saul.  Hold on.  Wait.  I hear something.  You hear that?  Man, that sounds like sheep and oxen. 

 “Oh that!  Well, what had happened was…. “.  

I imagine with a look of reproach Samuel thinking, while refraining from slapping him on the back of his head,  “Saul!  Quit. Just quit!  Did you really think God wouldn’t know? All the LORD asked was that you obey HIM.  Yet, you didn’t!  You had it made, Saul.  What were you thinking?  Well, thanks for your service but it will no longer be needed.”

The fact of the matter: Obedience is that serious.

Father,
As we grow in our purpose, help to keep us obedient to Your Word.    In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM,
Liz

Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.
1 Samuel 15:23b NIV