The Three Letter Word

One day Samuel said to Saul, "It was the LORD who told me to anoint you as king of His people, Israel. Now listen to this message from the LORD! This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies has declared: I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt. Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys." (1 Samuel 15:1-3 NLT)

All too often I think that God is somehow obligated to tell me everything.  I want to know all of His plan, and all of His reasons.  When I don't get all the details or reasons (which is pretty much all the time) then I start trying to apply my superior reasoning and logic skills to fill in the blanks.  This is where I start to get in trouble.  I start adding to God's plan.  That's exactly what Saul did in this story.

God told him to destroy the entire nation because they were being evil.  Saul did his own variation on that theme.

When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. "May the LORD bless you," he said. "I have carried out the LORD's command!" "Then what is all the bleating of sheep and goats and the lowing of cattle I hear?" Samuel demanded. "It's true that the army spared the best of the sheep, goats, and cattle," Saul admitted. "But they are going to sacrifice them to the LORD your God. We have destroyed everything else."  (1 Samuel 15:13-15 NLT)

Saul did almost everything God asked.  Then he used that three letter word that seems to get me in trouble all the time: "but."  

...but I didn't mean to...

...but I thought you wanted...

...but your instructions didn't make sense.  My thought was...

...I hear what you're saying, but I don't feel like you're understanding me...

Thinking that we have a better plan than God is egotistical, arrogant, and just plain rebellious.  We don't know more than He does.  We don't have the whole picture.  All too often, we don't even know what He's trying to accomplish.  God's plan works much smoother when we simply obey.

"But I did obey the LORD," Saul insisted. "I carried out the mission He gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep, goats, cattle, and plunder to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal." (1 Samuel 15:20-21 NLT)

There's that word, "but," again.  I so want to tell Saul to quit trying to justify his actions.  Then I remember the times I've said "but" to God...and realize I was wrong.

But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols..." (1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT)

Father, I am sorry for the times I have disobeyed you.  

I don't want to rebel against you.  I want to walk with you.  

Thank you for sending your son to forgive me when I turn back to you.  

Lead me clearly so I will clearly know each step you want me to take.  

Then, when I take it, I will know I am walking with you.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen