Teach Me Lord to Wait

Synopsis     1Sam 13:8-16     9/11/2018

The Philistines deployed their army in the high country at Michmash. Saul’s army was positioned in the valley below at Gilgal. The Philistines had massed an overwhelming army with the tactical advantage. Many of the Saul’s soldiers recognized the disadvantages of their situation. And so, they began deserting east across the Jordan. But, Samuel had given Saul instructions not to engage until after he came and offered sacrifices.

So Saul waited until the agreed upon time. But Samuel was delayed. And so, though he was not a priest, Saul offered the sacrifice himself. Saul completed the sacrificial offering just before Samuel finally arrived. Samuel rebuked Saul for his lack of patience and departed without offering the sacrifices – since Saul had already offered them.

Saul Couldn’t Wait Teach Me Lord to Wait

The Philistines had a better tactical situation. They greatly outnumbered the Israelite army. And they had the superior technology of iron chariots. So, Saul was perhaps naturally anxious. And Samuel was late.

By the time he counted the remaining troops, Saul had only six hundred men. But six hundred is exactly twice the number that Gideon had. And in Gideon’s case, God had deliberately sent away the fearful and cowardly. So compared to Gideon, Saul had way more than necessary.

But Saul couldn’t see abundance. He couldn’t see that God wanted to do something extraordinary through these circumstances – something only He could do. And so, Saul was moved by his anxiety to take matters into his own hands. He offered the pre-battle sacrifices even though he was not a priest. And this was his defining failure.

Teach Me Lord to Wait

It’s so easy to critique King Saul. He had so many obvious flaws. And he made so many poor decisions. And he had so little faith…

We have so much in common – Saul and I.

Anxiety is a thief. It convinces me that God is not faithful. It steals victory away from me moments before the victory is mine to claim. And it leaves me empty handed and powerless. It is the feeling of fear when there is actually nothing to fear.

There is nothing to fear. There is nothing bigger than God.

“They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31