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The story is told about an eagle that was perched on a block of ice just above Niagara Falls. A swift current was carrying the block of ice with the eagle closer to the edge; it was going to be disastrous. Other birds tried to warn the eagle but to no avail. He evidently thought, “I have strong wings, I can handle it.” But when he got to the edge and tried to fly away, he was stuck to the ice and perished. God appointed Saul to be king of ancient Israel. God gave him the order to punish the Amalekites. But Saul’s lust for power, prestige, and wealth drove him to disobey God. When Samuel confronted him, he excused himself by blaming the people and claiming he kept animals to sacrifice to God. In unforgettable words, Samuel asked him, “What is more pleasing to the Lord; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” Saul suffered the consequences of disobedience: First he lost God’s anointing, then his son’s affection, his officials’ loyalty, and lastly, he lost his own life in battle—all because he chose to disobey God’s will. May this never be said of us.
