God instructed Saul to destroy the Amalekites, he was told to destroy everyone and everything - men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, camels and donkeys - nothing was to be left of that nation (1 Samuel 15:3) During this period, the Amalekite people were constantly attacking the Israelites and other nations carrying of with wealth and families. They had to be completely destroyed in order for the Israelites to have any peace in the promised land and so they could not longer come between God and His people. Saul attacked them, as he The Lord instructed, but he decided to keep some trophies for himself. Agag, the Amalekite king was spared along with many choice animals, in fact, they only really destroyed the things that were worthless or of poor quality. Similar to us, today, when we hold onto our sinful habits or lustful desires but claim to give the rest of our lives to God, or when we live by most of God's commands but disregard those that are inconvenient or undesirable - those that require too much sacrifice.
In this case, Saul chose selective obedience and unfortunately it is still considered disobedience. "But I did obey the Lord", Saul insisted, "I carried out the mission He gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everything else". (1 Samuel 15:23) How many times do we catch ourselves saying "but"? When we are describing something, and add the word but, what follows is usually our selfish desire. Like Saul, we have all chosen to go our own way rather than follow God's call. There have been times in all of our lives, or even as we speak, when we know what God asks of us but our selfish wants get in the way and we end up basing our decision and actions on behalf of ourselves.
Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshipping idols. So because you have rejected The Lord's command, He has rejected you from being king. (1 Samuel 15:23) Saul's decision to rebel and to do His own thing resulted in a sin so horrible it was worthy of death. God did not completely reject Saul, there would always be a chance for Saul to seek forgiveness and restoration, but he would lose his kingdom and never be king again. The same is true for us, if we go too far disobeying God He may eventually take something important from us. We may not have kingdoms but He can take away our leadership, our family, our job, our congregation. Anything successful and trustworthy can be taken from us when we are acting in rebellion and not obeying God.
The Amalekite's were the downfall of Saul. What is your Amalekite? What keeps you from fully trusting God's plan and obeying Him? Is there something you just don't want to let go of? What keeps you from enjoying all that God has to offer you? Has your rebellion already caused you to lose something dear to you? What is your downfall?
Father God, help me this day to acknowledge the things in my life that are unpleasing to You. Show me the areas that I lack obedience and correct me when I am in the act of rebellion. I desire to live in Your will and follow all the commands You have for me. Please give me the strength to change the things in my life that could result in my downfall. In Jesus' Name, Amen
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