Today we are reading 1 Samuel 13. In this chapter we read about Saul’s unlawful sacrifice. “He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”” 1 Samuel 13:8-14 ESV Here Saul is trying to rally the troops of Israel to battle the Philistines. In fear and desperation he offers an unsanctioned sacrifice to gain God’s favor. When Samuel hears of it he condemns Saul. Have you ever made a rash decision because you were stressed out or under pressure? How did it work out? For Saul it was a disaster. It led to his downfall and caused the nation to suffer greatly. How have you been restored after your mistake? May God guide you to be wise in all your ways. Pastor Tim
