What should have been a day of celebration and thanksgiving to the LORD for saving the Israelites from the Philistines (14:23), turned into a day of distress, disorder, and near national disaster. This was the result of Saul’s pride and unrepentant heart. Saul had earlier bound the military to a foolish oath. Rather than prepare his men to fight, physically and spiritually, he made them fast. Without exception, anyone who broke the fast would die. This foolish oath was rooted in pride.

Jonathan recognized that his father had made trouble for the country. Saul repeatedly took matters into his own hands instead of trusting in God and repenting. Saul lost spiritual discernment and led his people into further sin. In their famished and exhausted state, his men ate meat with blood still in it. Saul added to his sin by building an altar. God did not answer when Saul prayed. Saul almost executed his son. These were the fruit of Saul’s lack of faith.

Life is often hard. How will you lead those who are looking to you? We may not know what to do but God does. Humbly come to God in faith and repentance. He will give wisdom and courage.
Application: Father, I repent for living by fear and pride and not turning to you in faith. Please forgive me and give me wisdom to lead and bless others, instead of making trouble.
One Word: Live by faith, not by fear and pride