Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have carried out the command of the Lord.” But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” 1 Samuel 15:13-14
Saul was sent by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including the livestock. They were in this instance to take no spoils. When questioned by the prophet Samuel, Saul tried to hide what happened. I love the reply by Samuel… “what then is this bleating of sheep…?” Samuel would tell Saul this great truth: To obey is better than sacrifice. God wants obedience. Its a way we express our faith and trust in Him.
How about me. Are there areas where I am half-hearted in following God? Or am I lacking in full obedience only to try and sacrifice my way out of it?
God, I get it. When I am obedient, especially when I don’t fully understand, it pleases You. Oh help me listen and obey. Today I am saying the words to the hymn, trust and obey, for there’s no better way.
