I Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
In our day of plenty and relative security, lest we become lethargic, slack in our faithfulness to the Lord, we should consider the Lord’s view of “rebellion”, “stubbornness”, and rejection of His “word”. To Him, “rebellion” is on the same level as “witchcraft” and “stubbornness” is on the same level as “iniquity and idolatry”. And, when king Saul “rejected the word of the LORD”, “the LORD” “rejected” him “from being king”. Because we are human beings, we all have weaknesses, carnal interests, personal judgments, and what James calls our “lusts that war in” our “members” (James 4:1). Let us humbly give thanks that “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” (Psalms 103:8). But, know also, as in the case of king Saul, great trouble is ahead should we persist in “rebellion”, “stubbornness”, and rejection of His “word”. Here is the great and true summation, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)!