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- Oct 26, 2007
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So 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 heed than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 NKJV
Saul’s reign as king of Israel was a disaster, not because he wasn’t a strong, talented, gifted, appealing leader (he was all those things) but because he lacked a heart of true, unreserved obedience to the Lord.
Today’s scripture verse is part of the prophet Samuel’s rebuke of the king for his disobedience. God had commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites, but he spared their king and captured their best livestock, which he claimed would be used for sacrifices to God. But Samuel saw through Saul’s excuses, and so did God. Saul had focused on outward acts of worship and not on obedience.
We Christian men today do well to avoid the kind of mistake Saul made. While outward signs of devotion to God—such as attending church, singing worship songs, or giving financially—can be good things, they cannot be substitutes for a life of true obedience.
Prayer: Lord God, may I never try to substitute outward signs of faith to take the place of true and complete obedience. Create in me a pure heart that seeks to serve You and obey You completely.
Saul’s reign as king of Israel was a disaster, not because he wasn’t a strong, talented, gifted, appealing leader (he was all those things) but because he lacked a heart of true, unreserved obedience to the Lord.
Today’s scripture verse is part of the prophet Samuel’s rebuke of the king for his disobedience. God had commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites, but he spared their king and captured their best livestock, which he claimed would be used for sacrifices to God. But Samuel saw through Saul’s excuses, and so did God. Saul had focused on outward acts of worship and not on obedience.
We Christian men today do well to avoid the kind of mistake Saul made. While outward signs of devotion to God—such as attending church, singing worship songs, or giving financially—can be good things, they cannot be substitutes for a life of true obedience.
Prayer: Lord God, may I never try to substitute outward signs of faith to take the place of true and complete obedience. Create in me a pure heart that seeks to serve You and obey You completely.
