1 Samuel 15
Scripture1 Samuel 15:28Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you.UnderstandingAfter defeating the Amalekites in battle, Saul fails to completely follow the Lord’s command to totally destroy all that belongs to them. Because of his rebellion and disobedience, Samuel pronounces God’s judgement upon him.ObservationPride is the root of Saul’s sin
As we look at Saul’s actions ever since he was anointed king over Israel we see that he is infected with the fatal disease of pride. It was pride that caused the original rebellion in heaven (Isaiah 14); pride that caused the original sin on earth (Genesis 3); and pride that causes Saul to sin against God. It is pride that causes Saul to keep the spoils of battle so as to ingratiate himself to his troops; it is pride that finds him in Carmel erecting a monument to himself and it is pride that cause him, when confronted with his disobedience, to rationalize his sin and to blame others. Even when God announces his rejection of Saul as king of Israel, in his pride, he begs Samuel to honor him before the elders and Israel. In past chapters we have seen how pride has caused Saul to act impetuously, impatiently and rashly – taking on the role of the priesthood and even being willing to put his own son to death in order to save face.
Life Application
Pride is at the root of all my sin
It is too easy to remember, as I point the finger at Saul’s sin, that the same pride that drove Saul to disobedience, rationalization and blame is the same pride that drives my sin. All my sin is ultimately motivated by a conscious decision to do things my way and not God’s way. Every act of rebellion against God’s word and will for my life is an attempt to reclaim the throne and lordship of my own life – echoing what Satan has said in his heart;
“I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God…I will make myself like the Most High." and forgetting that I am no longer my own, I have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Lord, help me to remember that the highest form of worship that I can offer you is obedience; and when I sin, may I bring to you the sacrifice of humility, confession and repentance.You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:16-17
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9
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