Deeper Life #292

Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.

—1 Samuel 15:25

NO OTHER CLASS OF PEOPLE will drive the Christian closer to God than the stupid. They will tax every bit of patience and endurance you have. These dear people always pretend to want to do something for God. Yet they are “ever learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Why? Because they do not wish to obey the Word of God they have heard!

Pretending to do right is another characteristic of a stupid soul. Samuel asked Saul if he had fulfilled the word of God with regard to the Amalekites, and Saul said he had. “What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears?” (v. 14). Saul said, “I haveobeyed, but . . . took of the spoil.” That was the beginning of his stupidity, which would lead him to consult spiritualistic medium and openly defy the Word of God.

Do you know someone who is feverishly studying the Word of God to avoid doing what he already knows of God’s will? Or someone who is pretending to obey Him, when secretly he is going his own way? Plead with that person to turn back from his foolish ways.

Prayer Thought: Help me, O Lord, to call people to full obedience.

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Samuel 15:24–35