All is Well When We End Well (class notes from 10/5/08)

Background passage: 1 Samuel chapters 9 -- 15

We are continuing our study of first Samuel. Last week, we saw how the Israelites felt they needed a king like other nations around them, thereby rejecting God's leadership. This week, we are introduced to the first king (Saul) and, through his actions, we get some insight into what God values and desires from us.

1 Samuel 9: 1 -- 2, 21; 10: 1, 8 -- 9

In these verses, Saul is introduced.

1. We learn that he is from the least important clan and the smallest tribe of Israel (Benjamin).

2. He also is unique in that he is "a head taller" than everyone else around him.

3. He is anointed king by Samuel (10:1)

4. He is given a specific and seemingly simple instruction (10:8). He is supposed to go to Gilgal and wait for Samuel to arrive in 7 days. At that point, Samuel will tell him what to do next.

5. Significantly, in verse 10: 9, Saul is changed by God so that he has the qualities necessary to be king.

1 Corinthians 5:17 says that when we become a Christian, we are a new creation. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11 says that the Holy Spirit decides what gift we should be given in order to serve effectively in the body of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:16 -- 17 says that scripture perfects us so that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work. God does not give us a job to do without giving us the tools necessary to succeed!

1 Samuel 13: 3 -- 7, 8 -- 9, 10 -- 12, 13 -- 14

At the time Saul was annointed king, the Philistine nation was coexisting with Israel. Israel had regained territory and was not actively at war with the Philistines. However, Jonathan (Saul's son) attacked a Philistine outpost, angering the Philistines and causing them to marshal troops against Israel. Saul, who had gone to Gilgal as Samuel instructed, had also commandeered an army but it was small (13:15 says that Saul counted 600 men with him). The Philistine army had 3000 chariots (the largest recorded chariot force in the Old Testament), 6000 chariot soldiers and other soldiers that were as numerous as the "sand on the seashore". Saul certainly must have been worried as he saw this large army assemble against him. As Saul remained at Gilgal waiting for Samuel, his men became increasingly frightened. They began hiding in caves, wells, pits, among the rocks, and scattering throughout the countryside. They began quaking with fear.

Samuel arrived later than Saul expected so Saul decided that he would do Samuel's job and made a burnt offering and Fellowship offerings. (Verse 9)
When Samuel arrived and confronted Saul, Saul made excuses. He blamed the situation that he was in on Samuel for being later than expected in his arrival. (Verse 11, 12). As a result of his disobedience, Saul loses his kingship.

When Saul was initially anointed king, he was given a seemingly simple instruction by God. He was to go to Gilgal and wait one week for Samuel to arrive. Samuel would offer burnt offerings and Fellowship offerings at that time and then tell Saul what to do next (after asking God for instructions). Certainly, Saul had no idea that within one week, he would be facing one of the largest armies recorded in the Old Testament. Because of the circumstance, he compromised his principles and became disobedient to God's command (taking it upon himself to make the offerings instead of waiting for Samuel). He rationalized his behavior and certainly, most of us can understand his reaction. We also receive instructions from God that sometimes seem simple (because they are simple). However, given the right circumstances (usually ones that we do not foresee), we are tempted to compromise, "bend the rules", and thereby become disobedient. We start well and mean well but we compromise in order to get out of a tough situation. As a result, just like Saul, we miss blessings that God intends for us to have. We must finish what God instructs us to start. Partial obedience is really not obedience at all.

1 Samuel 15: 1 -- 3, 7 -- 9, 13 -- 16, 20 -- 21

Saul is instructed by God to destroy the entire Amalekite nation (this is God's judgment on the Amalekite nation). Saul is to kill every person and destroy all of their livestock. However, Saul spares the Amalekite king (taking him captive) and brings back the best of the livestock. When Samuel learns of Saul's partial obedience, he confronts Saul (13 -- 14). Saul's response is to blame his soldiers and states that it was his intention to use the sheep and goats as offerings to God (verse 15, 20). He insists that he completed the mission the Lord assigned him (verse 20).

We need to understand that when God gives us instruction, He does not expect us to keep only the portions of the instruction that please us. He does not expect us to keep only the portions of his commands for which we can fully understand his reasoning. He expects is to keep his entire instruction/command without deviation. Blaming other people or rationalizing our actions is no excuse for our disobedience. Remember, He clearly is aware what our future situation will be when He gives us the instruction. We need to trust Him (that's called faith).

1 Samuel 15: 22 -- 23

Which is more important, offerings or obedience. Obedience is the right answer.

God expects us to be fully obedient. (If we are, the offerings will obviously follow)

1. Ecclesiastes 12:13 reports that the whole duty of man is to fear (have reverence for) God and keep his commands.

2. In John 14:15, Jesus says "if you love me, you will obey what I command."

3. In John 13: 34, Jesus gives us a new command -- "love one another."

4. 2 John: 6 says that walking in obedience to the Lord's commands is love.
5. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus instructs us to take His yoke upon ourselves (let Him steer us) and to learn from Him.

6. Remember, God's commands are not meant to deprive us of anything. They are given as a blessing to us. Following them leads to joy (John 15: 11), increasing value (Exodus 19: 5 -- 6), abundance and protection (Deuteronomy 7: 12 -- 15).

Take a few moments today to evaluate your present state and commitment of obedience to God. Have you allowed your circumstance to lead to compromise/partial obedience? If so, recommit yourself today to following God's instruction no matter what!

Check out the video below of former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs discussing obedience.