Through the Bible: 1st SamuelНамуна

What Have You Done?

The people began to desert Saul, so he said to them, “Bring me the burnt sacrifices and the fellowship sacrifices.” … just as he was finishing, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet him and welcome him, but Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul answered, “The people were deserting me, and you had not come when you said you would; besides that, the Philistines are gathering at Michmash. 

1 Samuel 13:8-11 (ESV) 

The prophet Samuel promised to arrive on the seventh day to prepare King Saul’s army spiritually by offering sacrifices to God. However, Saul couldn’t wait. Seeing his men deserting him and doubting Samuel, he offered the sacrifices himself – an action strictly forbidden in God’s law for one without priestly authority. Samuel, who arrived as promised, condemned Saul’s disobedience and subsequent attempts to justify his sin. 

 In many ways, Saul is a counter-example of life in the Lord. In crucial moments, he grew tired of waiting and allowed fear to overshadow faith. He cared more about what others thought of him than what God thought was right and wrong. He also remained unrepentant before the Lord. In contrast, his successor King David did the opposite as ‘a man after God’s own heart’. David honored God by humbling himself (2 Samuel 6-7) and repenting wholeheartedly after going astray (2 Samuel 11-12). Ultimately, David’s life foreshadows King Jesus, who remained unwaveringly faithful to the Lord in the face of adversity. Jesus gives the same heart to us today! 

Prayer: 

Lord, grant us a heart after Your own heart – one that is faithful and humble. We love You. Thank You for loving us first. In Jesus' name, Amen.