Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much 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.
“For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23
God really does desire the obedience that comes from a relationship of a heavenly Father and a son or daughter. Instead of responding to inward insecurity, compromise, or my own intelligence, I am better off simply obeying God. Returning after the fact, and trying to fake God out by saying “but I was going to sacrifice this or that to You” doesn’t cut it.
This is a hard scripture to read today. I honestly don’t know why God wanted to obliterate the Amelekites and deliver the full weight of His judgement upon them. I know they deserved it. Its not that, I have become so used to the incredible grace of God displayed toward me, that when it runs out for others, I am surprised. But, here again, my own intelligence is what is lacking, not the grace or fairness of God.
Lord, I do not want to be rejected by You. I understand your desire that I obey, rather than sacrifice. I want to live this way. Oh, I thank you that Jesus was completely obedient and is my example, my guide, and my substitute for my every act of disobedience.
