Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

King Saul abused his relationship with God, and he made repeated mistakes. While he ought to follow God’s instruction and be blessed, Saul chose to please himself and disobey God. An instance of Saul’s failure became evident when he refused to destroy God’s enemies as commanded. The instruction is stated,

“Samuel also said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them...” (1 Samuel 15:1-3). Meanwhile, Saul acted contrarily to God’s instructions. He killed some God’s enemies but spared some treasured assets of the land for his private riches. He also rationalized that he intended to sacrifice the forbidden assets to God. However, Prophet Samuel chastised King Saul and said, “Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Since Saul failed to follow God’s instructions, he was displaced as an Israelite king, and David was ordained to take over his position.

Lesson:

 “To obey God is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Obedience has no substitute, and God requires that we must obey him at all costs. We cannot rationalize a decision or an action and expect God to agree with us; we must do whatever he asks us to do – and we must do it very well. As far as God is concerned, “We must obey before complaints.” Meanwhile, God will surely bless his obedient children. He will honor anyone who obeys him! God can suspend any law for the purpose of blessing and honoring anyone who chooses to fear and obey him. Therefore, all people are encouraged to duly obey God’s instructions, since they will never regret the action.

Prayer:

Dear God, I understand that you require that all people must faithfully obey you and follow your instructions. Therefore, I am ready to yield my life and obey you to the fullness. I will serve and honor you as long as I live. I am utilizing this opportunity to ask for your extra grace that will enable me to satisfy you at all times. Please give me your grace so that I can prosper on earth and in heaven also. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.