EXCUSES

Read 1 Samuel 13

You really need to read chapters 13—15. In fact, from the moment Samuel anointed Saul as king of Israel, Saul started making excuses. It seems he was always justifying or rationalizing why he did what he did. This verse today is just another excuse. “Samuel, you are late. I had to do something.”

We, of course, know what follows. God “rips” the kingdom from Saul and gives it to the boy David. Israel’s first king may have been head and shoulders above all other men physically, but a young shepherd boy stood way above him in devotion to the Lord.

TEACHING MOMENT

Teaching our children to obey is hard, isn’t it? A lot of the time they do not understand our rules or they try to change them. Sometimes they completely ignore them. Then there are consequences, and the excuses begin. We’ve all been there, right? Little Johnny can give you a hundred reasons why he did what he did, knowing he was going against your rules.

Listen Mom and Dad! You must hold true to your convictions. Don’t give in to their excuses or tears. Samuel held the king accountable for disobeying the Lord. Saul offered the sacrifices, which wasn’t his responsibility. He had no authority, even as king, to do that. So, he had to suffer the consequence of losing the kingdom.

Before you judge Saul too quickly, think about how many times YOU have rationalized your actions. “But Carl, I HAD to do something.” Really? God is a “right on time” God. Sometimes He delays His actions just to see if we will be faithful and wait on Him. He is not tempting us toward evil. But He is testing our faithfulness.

Will you today allow the Father, through the Son, to remind you Who is in charge? It “ain’t” you! We are to wait and wait and wait until God shows up. Then and only then will we see the hand of God working in our lives.

Almighty God of the universe, work as only You can work. I will wait on You, for You will NOT disappoint.