Religious Unbelief

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 13

It is hard not to feel some sympathy for Saul. He was in a tight spot. The Philistines were poised to strike. Samuel was late and the desired blessing from God was missing. The people had begun to sense a defeat was in the offing, so they were scattering. Therefore, Saul took it upon himself to offer up sacrifices to God in hopes of gaining God’s favor against the Philistines. What could be wrong with that?

The priestly function of sacrifice wasn’t in Saul’s job description. He was a king, not a priest. While we might look at it and think it’s fine because he was doing something religious and he had the best of intentions; we can’t overlook the fact that it was a blatant act of rebellion. Further, it was a rebellion that was rooted in unbelief. He didn’t believe what God said about the sacrifices. He wasn’t resting on the promise of God. Fear was controlling his decision-making.

Not every religious act is an act of faith. Some religious acts are done out of unbelief. Like Saul, we can use them in hopes that we are somehow manipulating God into doing some work on our behalf. Panic and fear don’t lead toward good outcomes, even if they are religious outcomes. Faith and obedience are always the way.