Be More Obedient to God’s Commands

Like this young man, Saul's story serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of our decisions. Though Saul began his life with promise, his choices eventually led him to ruin. He thought he could take shortcuts, manipulate others, and ignore the warnings of God in order to get ahead. But in the end, it was his own decisions that cost him his kingdom, his family, and his life.

The first lesson we can learn from Saul's life is that no matter how powerful we may think we are, we are not invincible. Saul thought he was above the law of God and that he could get away with whatever he wanted. But in 1 Samuel 15:23 it says, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” Saul's choices and pride eventually led him to destruction.

The second lesson we can learn from Saul's life is to remember that consequences come with every decision we make. In 1 Samuel 15:24-25 it says, “Saul replied, 'I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.' So, Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the Lord.” Even though Saul made mistakes, he was still given a chance to repent and redeem himself. But ultimately, it was his own choices that led to his downfall.

The third lesson we can learn from Saul's life is to never underestimate the power of forgiveness. In 1 Samuel 15:26-29 it says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, 'I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.' And Samuel said to him, 'The Lord has deeply regretted that he has made Saul king over Israel.' Then the Lord said to Samuel, 'Fill your horn with olive oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.'” Even though Saul had made mistakes, God still chose him to lead his people. And although Saul did not live up to God's expectations, God still showed mercy and offered forgiveness.

This morning Brothers and Sisters, I want to challenge you to think about what you can learn from Saul’s life story. No matter how powerful you may think you are, no matter how many mistakes you make, God is always willing to give you a second chance if you are willing to learn from your mistakes and seek forgiveness. Saul was the first king of Israel, but his reign was marked by disobedience and jealousy. He failed to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, as God had commanded, and this led to his downfall. Despite his mistakes, Saul was given a second chance to redeem himself, but he failed to do so. His life serves as a reminder that no one is perfect, but we can always strive to be better and seek forgiveness when we fall short. We can learn from Saul’s mistakes and strive to” be more obedient to God’s commands. As the Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.