Overstepping Your Bounds

"Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits. Also some of the Hebrews crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, 'Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.' And he offered the burnt offering." -1 Samuel 13.5-9

The Philistines have suffered a defeat at the hands of Saul's son Jonathan, and they aren't going to take it lying down. They assemble with chariots and cavalry, with foot troops beyond number, and come out to avenge the fallen garrison in Geba. The men of Israel see what they are up against and they begin to desert the army of Saul. The king takes notice that his numbers are dwindling and rather than rally them with a stirring speech the lights a fire in them to fight for Israel, which is his duty as king, he oversteps his bounds as king and takes the role of the prophet.
He offers a burnt offering to God that he is unfit to offer, and God's judgment is does not overlook even a king.

Samuel arrives on the scene the moment Saul is finished with the offering. He tells him that he has acted foolishly, and that it will ultimately cost him the kingdom. God was prepared to establish his line forever, but this act has revealed Saul's true heart. Saul did not live in obedience to God, and so God seeks a king who would.

We see Saul's failure to do what a king should do, and instead take on the role of another. He should have presented a Braveheart, Gladiator or Kingdom of Heaven style speech to his men. Instead he decides to take matters into his own hands, make a sacrifice, and go to battle. He takes the quick and easy path, and it costs him, and his descendants, dearly.

Men, even a king is subject to God's judgment, and even kings must follow the rules. Saul's decision cost his son the throne, and by extension, his life. He forfeited being part of the Messianic line because he he refused to do his job.

Let us never be guilty of the sin of Saul. Let us be men who know our role, and boldly play it, even if it isn't the easy way. May we never overstep our bounds.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor