Day 102

1 Samuel 13-14; 1 Chronicles 9:35-39.  “Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands”

Can you picture Saul in the situation described in 1 Samuel 13?  He had gathered Israel’s troops to battle the Philistines, but once they got a glimpse of the Philistine army, they were full of fear.  Sensing the fear in his army, Saul becomes anxious and comes to the conclusion that the offerings to the Lord must be offered.  However, Samuel has not arrived when Saul was expecting him.  Thus, Saul takes matters into his own hands and violates the Lord’s command by assuming the priestly function.
Saul’s lack of integrity in this matter provides us with a three-part lesson:
1) Basing our decision on fear does not bring glory to God, for perfect love (trust) casts out fear.
2) Our timing is not always the same as God’s timing.  Samuel was coming, Saul just lacked the patience.
3) Obedience is far more important to God than sacrifice or, for us, you could say it is more important than public worship.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?