As young children, we found ways to test authority.

We'd push the boundaries.

With a twinkle in our eye and rebellion in our heart, we'd cross the line to see just how much territory our mom and dad would relinquish. Well, those childish behaviors are no longer cute in the adult years.

Today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall recounts an Old Testament story

that demonstrates the devastating consequences of rebellion.

It's a reminder that obedience, as God planned it, isn't oppressive.

Obedience is actually liberating.

Chuck titled his message, Strengthening Your Grip on Authority.

First Samuel, Chapter 15, will support all evidence needed and provide for us an objective

case in point, for here we study the life of a man who, in many ways, was himself an authority.

The memorable scenario of Chapter 15 of the book of 1st Samuel has a background that's interesting.

I think of Saul, the king, as being the batter at the plate.

The bases are loaded but his count is full and he's in a batting slump.

He's already struck twice at that ball and there's only one more pitch coming.

The first strike was in chapter 13 where he hurried and offered up an offering to God.

That was not his place to do it.

The priest offered up the offerings, not a king. Chapter 14, he makes a rash vow.

Stupid statement falls out of the king's mouth and it almost takes the life of his son. Strike two.

Chapter 15 is the final strike. God makes it very clear what he wants from his king. Saul, he speaks through the voice of

Samuel the prophet. The Lord sent me to anoint you as king over his people, over Israel. Now,

therefore, listen to the words of the Lord. I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel. Let me fill you in quickly.

Amalek is the most ancient of all the heathen tribes that attack the people of Israel after the Exodus.

...