April 3 – Reading 93

APRIL 3 – Reading 93

by John Pra | April 3

“KILLING SIN”
(1 Samuel 14:47-52; 1 Chronicles 9:35-44; 1 Samuel 15:1—16:23)

Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ – 1 Samuel 15:1-3

Some history-shaping moments occur in chapter 15 of First Samuel. Here are a few highlights. 

God remembers His enemies that opposed the Israelites in the Exodus and fulfills His promise to destroy them centuries later. Saul disobeys God’s command to kill every living thing (man, woman, child, infant, animal) because he saw some benefit by saving some. The Amalekite’s king, Agog, was spared. Samuel then confronts King Saul in his disobedience and delivers one of the powerful truths in scripture – “to obey is better than sacrifice” (v. 22). Then he prophecies that God has rejected Saul as king over Israel and the kingdom would be torn in two. This would be the last encounter between Samuel and Saul.

Many people have a hard time processing this chapter. What kind of God would command the killing of everyone and everything? I thought God is love, and mercy, and grace! The answer is in verse 18: “…the Lord sent you [Saul] on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners…’” We need to see sin / sinners the way a holy, holy, holy God does. Not only in others, but in ourselves. He cannot and does not tolerate sin. It cannot exist in His presence without judgment. He takes it seriously, so should we. 

As world renowned radio host, Paul Harvey, would famously say… here’s the rest of the story. 500 years later, as recorded in the book of Esther, a man named Haman caused much terror among the Jews and plotted to annihilate them. Haman was a descendant of King Agag. A picture of sin / sinner that was still afflicting God’s people.

The apostle Paul says we must “put to death … whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Col. 3:5). There’s a reason God wants us to ruthlessly deal with sin in and around us – either we kill sin, or sin will kill us.

Application

• Avoid rationalizing disobedience. Saul justified his actions by claiming the spared livestock were for sacrifices. We must be cautious not to rationalize our disobedience under the guise of good intentions.
• Head Godly counsel. Samuel’s confrontation of Saul highlights the importance of listening to spiritual mentors. Embracing correction and guidance helps us stay aligned with God’s will.

Reflection

• What sins or detrimental habits am I tolerating in my life, and what steps can I take to eradicate them?
• Am I open to receiving correction from spiritual mentors, and how can I better position myself to accept and apply their guidance?

Closing Prayer…
Father, I acknowledge that you command my wholehearted obedience and devotion. Give me strength and joy as I submit my will to yours. Guard me against the temptation to rationalize and justify sin and cultivate within me a right spirit to receive godly correction and instruction that I might please you with my life. Amen.