Saul had his own thoughts and had kept something back. Samuel then called him to account and asked him why he had sinned against the word of the Lord. He spoke very sternly to Saul. Saul finally realized that he had sinned, but immediately had an excuse for it, namely that the people had urged him to do so, as they really wanted him to keep something back as a sacrifice for God.

It is such a typical attitude. If we listen to our inner self, we know that we are sinners. We acknowledge that this or that was not good, but then we immediately have an excuse ready. Samuel could not proclaim mercy as the Lord had rejected Saul. Why? He did not bow before God in humility; rather he brought an excuse.

Do not be too self-assured, overestimate or justify ourself before God by saying that it is due to this or that. Sin remains sin! Today our inclination is to react with an excuse. However, that which is sinful cannot exist before God.

Today, I will recognize my sin, and offer no excuse for it.