1 Samuel 13:1-23

Rationalization is a very dangerous habit into which many of us fall on a regular basis.  When we face difficult circumstances it is an especially easy time for us to begin playing the “rationalization game.”  Saul has won some great battles and has been established as king.  He and his son are leading the troops into battle but he faces an army that is many times larger and much better equipped than his.  In the face of these circumstances Saul begins his downfall and rationalization had a big part to do with it.  There are three contributing factors that facilitate Saul’s failure in this passage.  Unfortunately, these factors are often present in our lives as well.

EXCESSIVE PRIDE: Before Saul became king he was a very humble man who had no ambition to become king whatsoever.  Even after Samuel told him he was to be king he could not believe it.  However, once he was established as king and had his first victory we can see pride beginning to creep into his heart and life.  He and his son Jonathan are leading their troops into battle.  When Jonathan had a victory over the Philistines against whom he was fighting, Saul made it a point to have it published throughout Israel that he had been victorious.  We see Saul taking credit for his son’s victory as well as a desire to be recognized and praised by the people.  This is a very dangerous attitude that seems to lurk in every one of our hearts.  We all like to be recognized, but when our thirst for recognition exceeds our commitment to the truth it is a sure sign that pride has taken root in our hearts.

INSUFFICIENT PATIENCE: The Philistine army has mustered to come out and fight Israel.  Saul begins to look around and sees that his army is much smaller and that the army of the enemy is growing by the day.  Saul knows that it is Samuel’s job as priest to offer the burnt offerings in preparation of the battle and to seek the Lord’s favor.  Saul waits until the day that Samuel had marked to come and offer the sacrifices there, but when Samuel is late, Saul can wait no longer.  He sees his troops beginning to shrink due to fear and he just cannot wait any longer or the situation will become even worse.  This is where Saul’s rationalization begins to take over and he convinces himself that under these circumstances it would be okay to disobey the clear instructions of the Lord.  A Saul order for the sacrifice to be brought and he offers the sacrifice that only the priest was authorized to make.  As soon as he finishes Samuel shows up and confronts Saul.  Saul does not repent but begins to make excuses and tries to shift the blame on Samuel.  It is vital for us to learn to wait upon the Lord.

OVERWHELMING PROBLEMS: The circumstances that Saul was facing were truly overwhelming.  He had a small and dwindling army that had no spears or swords that was going to have to confront a growing army that was equipped with chariots and all of the most modern weapons.  The odds were not good and they were getting worse all the time.  Saul simply was forgetting to factor into his battle plan the presence of God.  No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, when we remember the presence of God we should be assured of His presence and take comfort in His power.  It is very dangerous for us to start thinking that God has somehow lost control of the circumstances we face.  Trials can be devastating, but they can also prove to strengthen our faith if we respond to them correctly by trusting God.