Bible Reading: 1 Sam. 13 & 14. Luke 10:1-21.
“And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.” – 1 Samuel 14:37 (KJV)
In the Old Testament, anytime the people asked questions from the Lord and there was no answer, they knew they had sinned. Sin was the main hindrance to answers to prayers and still is. Thus, when Saul became the king of Israel, the Philistines were dominating and ruling them. He was thus faced with the need to fight for liberation of his country. On facing this daunting task in 1 Samuel 14, Saul called for fasting among the soldiers of Israel in order to draw closer to God and win the war. When he made this pronouncement, Jonathan his son was not there and so did not even know about the decision. (1 Sam 15:27).
However, ignorance is not a defense against sin. Though Jonathan did not know, he was found guilty like any other person that was there. Thus when Saul enquired from God thereafter, there was no response as Jonathan had sinned by breaking his fast contrary to the vow by his father, King Saul. Thus in 1 Samuel 14:37 (KJV), “And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.”
It is therefore imperative that we understand all that would amount to sin before God as ignorance of it will not exonerate us from such sins. This is why you should study the word of God regularly so that you can have a good understanding of God’s requirements.
Secondly, you must not rush to make vows. You must think through it and seek the face of God before such action. Any vow made becomes binding on you as was the case of Saul and his son, Jonathan. Proverbs 18:20-21 (KJV) says, “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” In addition, every word spoken shall be accounted for on the last day, so we need to be careful before we make any utterance.
Thirdly, we need to consider the implication of our actions on those working with us. It was apparent that the soldiers would be hungry and have less strength while fasting particularly during the war and this would affect them and such decisions should not be taken except it is directly instructed by God.
Action Point: Examine your life if there is any sin that may hinder your prayers and go to God for mercy.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero