Differentiating Confession and Repentance: 1 Samuel 15:24-35

Words are cheap; God expects His leaders to do more than pay lip service to their mistakes.  Anyone can say they are sorry.  People are sorry things didn’t go as planned.  People are sorry they got caught.  Just because a person utters the words “I’m sorry” doesn’t mean they are going to change their behavior.

Upon hearing Samuel’s condemnation, Saul confesses his sin.  Confession before the Lord is good, but Saul isn’t repenting.  Confessing one’s sin before the Lord simply acknowledges wrongdoing.  Repenting requires an attempt at a change in behavior.

Saul is caught.  He knows he didn’t act appropriately.  He also knows Samuel – and God – are not buying his fake attempt at spirituality.  Saul saw the herds and thought about prestige, only mentioning the idea of a sacrifice after Samuel challenged him with irrefutable proof.  Having no other option, Saul confesses wrongdoing.

A deep problem exists within his confession, however.  Look at Saul’s words closely.  He blames the people for leading him into sin.  He claims he didn’t order the destruction of everything because of the people.  Saul is supposed to be the king!  Yes, leaders need to worry about the people underneath them, because a person without any followers is not a leader.  Conversely, there are times when leaders step up and lead people, perhaps even leading them to a place they do not want to go!  Saul is a leader in name only.  His heart is the heart of a follower.  Saul chases fame and popularity instead of leading as an example.

The reason Saul’s act is confession but not repentance comes after Samuel explains how God has stripped away the kingdom from him.  Saul asks Samuel to return with him before the people.  Saul doesn’t confess his sin because he is sorry for the choice he made, Saul confesses his sin because he is sorry he got caught and wants to put Samuel in a place where he can help Saul save face before the people.  Saul believes he can manipulate Samuel with his confession.  Saul believes if he speaks an understanding of his wrong, Samuel will support him in the public arena.

Samuel did turn back to Saul, but not to make a public scene supporting Saul.  Samuel turned back to Saul to slaughter Agag as Saul should have originally done.  Samuel turns back to Saul and demonstrates what repentance looks like.  If Saul was interested in repentance, he would have fixed his error.  Saul doesn’t, and Samuel knows that Saul’s confession is just confession without repentance.  Samuel kills Agag and goes home, never to appear before Saul again.

To whom much is granted, much is expected.  Being a leader is more difficult than being a follower, especially since nobody is perfect.  When leaders make mistakes, it is crucial for the leader to correct the error rather than giving lip service to the error.  Words are cheap; God expects His leaders to do more than pay lip service to their mistakes.