1 Samuel 13:7b-9 Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering.
Gilgal was a significant place for the Israelites. It was the entry point into the Promised Land. This was the place where the redeemed Hebrew slaves were circumcised as a ‘sign of severance’ from their past slavery. “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day (Joshua 5:9). Gilgal was the place Saul was anointed as king. So all the people went to Gilgal and made Saul king in the presence of the Lord. (1 Samuel 11:15). Gilgal was also the place where God tested and tried Saul.
There was lurking danger around Israel. The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Saul’s patience to wait for Samuel ran out after the 7th day. According to the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 20), the priest will go forward and speak to the people and offer sacrifices to invite the presence of the Lord to go before them, against the enemies. Samuel delayed and it was a God delay to test the faith and patience of King Saul, however, Saul miserably failed. He did not wait for Samuel. Saul offered the burnt offering that only the priests were anointed to offer. The climax was ‘Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived’ (1 Samuel 13:10a). The impulsive and impetuous action of Saul stole his anointing and destroyed his kingship. God rejected Saul simply because he did not wait for God’s time, God’s leading and God’s guidance.
Why is it important to wait?
1. Rush: We cannot make rational decisions when we rush. God tests the authenticity of our faith by our anxiety level. When we are in a tight corner, we want a quick fix and easy solutions but those who are able to maintain serenity and seek God’s guidance will be promoted.
2. Rash: Reactionary people make rash decisions. We become reactionary and rash when our focus turns from God’s promises to people. The troops of Israel started scattering in terror and those who remained with Saul were quaking in fear. Saul saw what happened around him, his strength failed and he made a rash decision. Turn your focus on God who is bigger than your problem.
3. Reject: Saul was rejected by the Lord as he did not have the reverential fear of God to wait for the Prophet. Offering sacrifice was only a formality for Saul. It was not to seek God’s favour or the blessings of the prophet. God looks for our sincerity not our religiosity.
Wait. Don’t rush and make rash decisions. God will certainly fulfill what He has promised.
Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Prayer: Father God, help me to overcome the foreboding thoughts about my future or finances. Teach me to trust you like a little child. Amen.
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