Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. 1 Samuel 28:18
No one who is a leader likes someone who is disobedient. Every leader understands that those being led must be obedient. Usually there are consequences to not obeying, sometimes very severe consequences and other times not very severe.
Often the consequences are set up as punishment or correction to prevent disobedience from occurring again. Many people get upset when negative consequences occur due to disobedience, feeling that they should be able to do what they desire.
God was bringing the Philistines against Saul for disobedience. Saul went to Samuel for help but was told that because he did not obey God this is what God was doing to him.
Even though the world understands consequences to disobedience, many in the church feel that God will not do anything if they disobey Him. Many in the church will refuse to repent and turn away from certain sins. They will not take time to be His witness. They hold on to bitterness and seek vengeance.
While living in sin, many will wonder why God is against them and negative things are occurring on a regular basis. Others will wonder why God is silent when they seek Him at the same time they are disobeying His commands to them. Often they hide behind grace, believing that their disobedience will be overlooked.
God’s holiness demands obedience. Jesus did not die for the sins of the believer, so that the believer could continue to live in sin and disobey God. In His great love God will deal with disobedience harshly in this life so that the person may continue to gain eternal life in the end. The ultimate punishment for disobedience is death for eternity in hell.
As a believer God has given you all the general commands He has given every believer and He has also given you some direct commands specific to you alone. You are given a choice as to whether you will obey those commands or not. There will be consequences to which way you choose.
Obeying God will bring about His hand of favor and direction. Disobeying will result in punishment and losing His hand of favor.
Make the choice today to obey God in every area of your life and every command God gives you.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know the commands God is giving you; that you will obey all that God commands you to do; and that God will not have to punish you for any disobedience.
Leave a Reply