Taking Things Out of Sequence (1 Samuel 13:8-9)

What happens when we rush through a usual activity or do things out of sequence? At the least we make an error. At the worst, we injure ourselves or others.

The other day, I was attempting to exit my car from a tight parking spot. I gingerly opened my car door, being careful to not hit the passenger door of the neighboring car. I squeezed out of my seat holding my car door open and when I stepped out, I closed my door...on my right ring finger! The result is the photo above. I will not post the later photos which showed the blood spread throughout the entire nail bed and a large hematoma on the fleshy part of the finger pad.

Why did this happen? I did an event that is usually automatic, closing a car door, and took it out of its usual sequence. I was more focused on not hitting the car next to me than my own fingers. The result? Disaster!

Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering.
(1 Samuel 13:8-9)

King Saul was instructed to wait for 7 days but he became impatient when the prophet Samuel did not arrive. So Saul took matters in his own hands and took a shortcut, taking things out of sequence. He made the burnt offering, something that God had expressly prohibited for anyone, except a priest, to do. The result? Disaster for Saul! God took the kingdom away from him and anointed David as King.

Doing things out of the usual sequence can sometimes have painful and serious personal consequences. But doing things out of the sequence that God commands can have eternal consequences. God’s fulfilled His promise that the Messiah, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would be a descendant of King David.

Examine your life to see if you are living in accordance to the pattern and sequence that God wants you to live. A life based upon a relationship with Jesus Christ is not a random series of events. God asks you to place your faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ. Once you do so, He will direct your path.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.