Anointed: A Study in 1 SamuelSample

What does it say?

Saul tried to seek God’s favor with an unauthorized burnt offering when Israel’s army was outnumbered, weaponless, and afraid. Samuel said Saul would lose the throne.

What does it mean?

The scene was one of panic. The Philistines had gathered more men to battle than the Israelites could count. Weaponless and greatly outnumbered, God’s people literally ran for the hills and hid in caves. Saul didn’t know what to do, and Samuel was nowhere to be found. Instead of trusting God’s faithfulness, Saul took matters into his own hands and disobeyed God by offering sacrifices without Samuel. It may seem like an insignificant mistake, but Saul’s decision revealed the truth about his heart. God’s people would soon be led by another – “a man after God’s own heart.”

How should I respond?

There are tragic moments in our lives when shock grips our hearts and minds. When panic starts to set in, we have to choose whether to react in fear or to respond with trust in what we know to be true: God is faithful. Think about such a moment in your own life. What did it reveal about you? We can learn a valuable lesson from Samuel’s words, “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.” Evaluate your heart for a moment. Ask the Lord to strengthen your trust in Him regarding areas of fear. God already has the circumstances under control.