This Christ walk is serious business eh. Just think; most of us have made some Major mistakes since we professed our spiritual ABCs (Accept Believe & Confess). And when we acknowledged our sin; what was our next action? Consider today’s Holy Nougat
“Saul replied, “I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.”” 1 Samuel 15:30 NIV
It may feel like we’re picking on Saul; and had that been the case we would simply gloss over his life and move on. But unfortunately, many of us are more interested in the cover up than in real repentance for some of our sins. For, for those of us who are like that; we would rather the rest of the world NOT get wind of our sordid (or should we say ‘stupid’) past. I am certain that such a desire is warranted, but it also highlights our misplaced priorities.
I agree. Some sleeping dogs ought to remain wherever they lie. But even then, our response to our sins still needs to reflect genuine contrition and not just protectionism. Remember David? He sinned and tried to effect a cover up – even to the extent of contracting the murdering his close friend Uriah. When convicted however, David acknowledged his sin before God. For regardless of what we or anyone thinks, it is God Who forgives.
But Saul didn’t see it that way. Perhaps it was misplaced pride. Maybe it was shame. Or he became sold on the neighboring kingdoms thinking that kings and emperors were above reproach. What we do know is: despite acknowledging his sin, Saul was keen to pretend God was pleased with his actions.
God was not.
And Saul missed that opportunity for repentance. There’s no way around it. Positive transformation is only possible when we are willing to take responsibility for our sin and seek God’s forgiveness. That was Saul’s downfall. We must be careful, lest we find ourselves in the same boat.