Divine Wisdom or Human Logic?

Reflection for Thursday, 5/14/26

1 Samuel 13:7-14 is a short passage with a big lesson. And that lesson is this: Obey God, even when you think you should do something else.

“There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25 NIV

“Proverbs 16:25 warns that human judgment is often flawed and self-deceived, leading to disastrous consequences. This biblical proverb highlights the danger of relying on personal logic rather than divine wisdom, emphasizing that what feels right in the moment can lead to ruin.”

Richard E. Simmons III

King Saul disobeyed Samuel’s command to wait for him, and he offered the sacrifices himself. I’m sure Saul felt justified. After all, the Philistines were assembled against them, and Saul’s troops were trembling in fear. But read what happened when Saul took things into his own hands instead of obeying God.

“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.  Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.

 “What have you done?” asked Samuel.

Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash,  I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”

“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:7-14 NIV

Even though the Bible warns us not to disobey God and exalt man’s wisdom, people do it all the time. Consider all the things Christian leaders do instead of what the Bible teaches us about leading the flock.

Do we overemphasize entertainment and comfort? Is our focus on attracting new members instead of making disciples? Are we diluting the gospel message or avoiding important doctrines like sin and repentance? Do we avoid controversial topics (like false teaching) because someone might be offended?

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

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