Though Saul asks for forgiveness, Samuel never sees Saul again. Is it our place to forgive a sin committed against the Lord? What is our role and responsibility? Are there attitudes Saul exhibited that shed any light?Bible Reference - 1 Samuel 15
Story Recap - Saul was king of Israel and disobeyed the Lord. Samuel was a priest and confronted Saul with God’s disapproval telling him God rejected him as king. Saul pleads for Samuel’s forgiveness and asks Samuel to accompany him. At first Samuel refuses but eventually concedes. After that, “until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him” (15:35)
Reflection -
Saul states, “I have sinned. But please honor me...” (15:30). Sometimes in relational rifts, the offender appears to pursue. I think an important question to ask is, “Why?” What is the motive behind their plea? To whom is the request due?
In this story, several indicators accuse Saul. In verse 13, he greets Samuel cheerfully and innocently... actually... he greets proudly defensive. “I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.” He then explains Samuel’s observation instead of repenting. He did this once (vs 19). He did this twice (vs 17). He even did it a bit in his third and final speech (vs. 24).
He finally then admits to generalized “sin” and asks Samuel to forgive a sin against God. He asks Samuel to validate him before the people by accompanying him. His actions point to an apology to keep people (ie. Samuel) from anger or public reproach not to humbly own his wrong deed and repent before the Lord. Even his desire to be with Samuel was for public appearance... as was his desire to go worship. His request was primarily one of “honor and amends” and not integrity and humble repentance.
It’s interesting to see Samuel’s response. He doesn’t publicly shame Saul. He does go with him. But, he does not see him again. His desire was not to shame but also to not continue validating.
I find it interesting also that Samuel does not forgive Saul for his offense against God. I do not think this is arrogance but humility. The offense was not against Samuel so it was not one he could forgive. The offense and the forgiveness of it was between Saul and the Lord.
Samuel is grieved. Consequences should grieve us if we are soft. We grieve the unrepentance of another. We grieve the loss of relationship for ourselves. As we grow in forgiveness, we at times grow in mourning as the bitterness is slowly converted to a dull sorrow... one that God can meet and mend.
Prayer -
Lord, only you know the hearts of men. You even know our own far better than we do. Help us to be discerning without being condemning! Protect us from ourselves! Convict us specifically of sins we need to confess and repent. Free us from Satan’s condemnation that shames us in generalities. This is not from you. Keep us from arrogantly coming to you in “God speech” to present you with our lofty knowledge of spiritual truths instead of the specific ways you meet us in them. Forgive me for _______________ when I ______________. Help me to be primarily grieved that my arrogance to act as I want hurts You and my ability to rest with you, my ultimate source of peace and joy. Let other’s understanding and approval be always secondary to yours so that regardless of their presence, I can rest.
