1 Samuel 15:22–23 (ESV): 22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
God desires obedience over sacrifice. He would much rather us do what He says than bring a sacrifice before Him for our transgressions. Obedience is better!
After Saul defeated the Philistines the Lord sent him to strike down the Amalekites. The Lord instructed him to devote everything living to destruction. Saul didn't obey God and spared the king of Amalek (Agag) and the best of the sheep, oxen, calves, and lambs. He intended to bring a burnt offering before God. He thought sacrifice was better than obedience. Samuel told Saul that because he disobeyed God the Lord had rejected him as king and his kingdom would be torn from him.
Do you think your disobedience is going unnoticed? God is patient but He will judge all of us one day. Stop taking the sacrifice of His Son for granted and start walking obediently. Jesus is sufficient to take away our sins but obedience is better than sacrifice. Commit yourself to hearing His voice and doing what He says for obedience is better than sacrifice. Amen?
Father, forgive us for not being obedient to Your voice. Help us to do what You say fully rather than banking on the sacrifice of Your Son to cover us. Fill us with Your Spirit that we might commit to obey we pray in Jesus' name, amen.
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