Sinabi ni Yahweh kay Samuel, “Nanghihinayang ako sa pagkapili ko kay Saul bilang hari sapagkat tinalikuran niya ako at sinuway ang aking mga utos.” Nagalit si Samuel, at magdamag siyang nanalangin kay Yahweh.

1 Samuel 15:10–11

After Moses and Joshua died, no other single person stood as the leader of the Israelites. Instead, judges and prophets were appointed by the Lord. After some time, the Israelites wanted to have their own king. So, Samuel went to God to speak for the people. Therefore, God appointed Saul to be the first king of Israel. Malaki ang potential ni Saul bilang hari ng Israel but his heart was not right with God.

Saul disobeyed God many times as he led the Israelites in battle. His first act of disobedience was when he made a burnt offering to the Lord. Samuel’s tardiness and Saul’s fear of the enemies prompted him to act defiantly. Saul saw it was a harmless act, but it was sin in the eyes of God (1 Samuel 13:8–14).

At naulit pa ang pagsuway niya sa utos ng Diyos. In his next battle, instead of killing everyone and destroying everything the enemies own, Saul spared the life of the Amalekite king. Sa halip na patayin rin ang mga hayop, itinabi nila ang mga puwede pang mapakinabangan. His selective disobedience caused his downfall and God’s rejection of him.

Feeling mo ba parang mag-isa ka lang sa sitwasyon mo? When God seems silent, it is good to humble ourselves and ask God to reveal sin in our lives. Willful disobedience breaks the heart of God. But because of His love, He reveals our blindspots. He does that so we can seek forgiveness and help us to be obedient to Him.