God's Pet Peeve

Saturday, March 8, 2008
Read 1 Samuel 13:1 through 15:35.

(15:22) Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (NASB)

It's admittedly my pet peeve. I'd like to think that as a parent I have things all together... that even when moments are intense I can keep my cool. But it just gets under my skin when Abigail doesn't do as I've told her to do. Don't misunderstand me, please, since those occasions are so extremely rare. But I'll bet you can relate, or at least your parents can.

Saul acted so foolishly, so arrogantly as Israel's king. His premature offerings, shortsighted oaths, and utter disobedience regarding the Amalekites... it's little wonder that God ended up regretting having made Saul king (15:10-11). Getting down in the dirt of the text you can easily feel God's displeasure and disgust over such rebellion. And then when I really start applying this text to myself, I'm suddenly not so upset with Abigail anymore.

How have you been as rebellious as Saul toward God? What could you share about the circumstances? And did you see your attitude and actions in those times as rebellious? How did God ultimately reveal to you how displeased he was?

Lord, I am willing to receive what you give; to lack what you withhold; to relinquish what you take; to suffer what you inflict; to be what you require. And, Lord, if others are to be your messengers to me, I am willing to hear and heed what they have to say. Amen.
Charles Swindoll