1 Samuel 15:13 – “And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of Yahweh! I have established the word of Yahweh.”

As I read, prayed, and contemplated the Word of God today, the word “contrast” would not leave my thoughts.  Contrasts are a constant companion of life.

In 1 Samuel 15, Saul had been directed to utterly destroy the Amalekites.   In verse 9, we read of his disobedience.   In verse 13, Samuel shows up, and Saul says, “I have established the Word of Yahweh.”  That was a distortion of the command. Samuel responded, “Really? Then why do I hear sheep bleating and cows mooing?”

Saul began shifting the blame in verse 20. He said, “I did obey.”   In verse 21, he said, “But the people…”  Samuel gave the familiar treatise in verses 22-23, reminding Saul that God is not interested and will not accept our works or superficial efforts to justify by sacrifice. He demands obedience. The contrast of Saul’s thoughts and God’s commands resulted in Saul losing the kingdom.

The account of David facing Goliath is another contrast.  In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, we have David’s response to Goliath’s taunt.  David revealed his faith in God.  Faith does not come from our confession, but our confession comes from faith.  In this account, it was Faith, followed by confession, followed by action.   Out of David’s faith, he declared and then acted upon his faith declaration.

David’s confidence was in God, Saul’s confidence was in his armor, and Goliath’s confidence was in his size and strength.  The contrast was clear.  David’s desire was that victory would honor God and testify of Him.

Another contrast is in 2 Peter 3:3-4.    Peter reminded us that the delay in the return of Jesus invites denial of His promise to return.    We either hold fast regardless or we lose hope.

Remember, explicit obedience results in explicit blessing. God’s patience and desire to redeem us are the reasons for His delay, not inability or lack of concern. It is because of LOVE!

The LORD directed me to consider the contrasts and make the choices that lead to explicit obedience.   In that place, there is peace, power, purpose, provision, and presence!

Lord, help us to be consistent in our walk with You!