Pressure changes outcomes. We watch live sports because it is exciting to see what will happen in the heat of the battle. When the championship is on the line the athletes feel the pressure. Some rise to the occasion and perform in exceptional ways, while others will fold. Both responses are gripping to watch and witness.
Saul, the ancient king of Israel, responded different to pressure throughout his reign. Once while waiting to fight the Philistines he felt the pressure to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. He waited seven days for Samuel the priest to come and offer the sacrifice, but when Samuel was delayed in coming, he allowed the pressure from the people to cause him to offer the sacrifice himself. This was unlawful and violated God’s command (1 Sam. 13:1-15). Later, in conquering the Amalekites he would give into the pressure of the people’s greed in wanting to keep the valuable items. When he was told to destroy the spoils of war by God, he chose to keep the best of the sheep, oxen, and calves. Saul’s failure under pressure will cause him to lose his kingdom (1 Sam. 15).
Later, Saul will have pressure placed upon him from Goliath and his army to meet the Philistine opponent (1 Sam. 17). For forty days Goliath has hurled insults and challenges at Israel demanding they send someone to face him in battle. Saul, who was described as being a head taller than anyone else (1 Sam. 9:2), as the leader of his army should have met the challenge. He refused to allow the pressure to cause him to do what was right. Instead, a young shepherd boy named David, who had come to camp to check on his brothers, courageously met the challenge, because he could not bear to see the army of God defiled.
So on two occasions Saul allowed pressure to cause him to do what was wrong, while on another occasion he refused to allow pressure to cause him to do what was right. An interesting observation for our lives. Do we allow pressure to cause us to do wrong, but resist positive pressure to be courageous and good? You are going to have times of pressure and stress. You are going to feel pushed and pulled in certain directions by others. How will you respond? Don’t let it cause you to do wrong, but do be willing to step up and act when it is right and good. Saul struck out when the game was on the line! Don’t be like Saul!
