Willful

King Saul was a big disappointment to God, and to the people of God. 1 Samuel 13-14 reveals some of Saul’s shortcomings. Most prominent among them was willfulness. Saul did what he wanted to do without seeking the Lord, or waiting upon the Lord’s commands. He foolishly and in desperation offered sacrifices that were not his to offer. He was willfully disobedient (1 Samuel 13:13). At another time, he issued a command that no soldier was to eat on a day of battle, I suppose in an attempt to motivate and impel the men to victory. The command Saul gave (1 Samuel 14:24) was all about Saul, not about the Lord. Saul said, “…Cursed be any man who eats food before evening comes before I have avenged myself on my enemies.” This oath was as willful and foolish as it was arrogant and self-centered.

The battle was the Lord’s. The enemies were the Lord’s. It was not a personal thing.

“O Lord, protect me from my own willful, arrogant sin. Cleanse me and make me pure. May I be your man today, a man after your own heart, bold when you are bold, patient when waiting.” AMEN.

©2010 Ray Woolridge