No. 279 - Obedience Over Sacrifice

The Obedience of God’s Will

Obedience Over Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:22

"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.'"

Starting Prayer

Dear Lord, help me understand the importance of obedience over sacrifice as I meditate on Your Word today. Open my heart to fully grasp Your message and live according to Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background

1 Samuel 15 tells the story of King Saul's disobedience to God's command. God instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. However, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, intending to offer them as sacrifices to God. This disobedience led to God rejecting Saul as king. In today's verse, the prophet Samuel reminds Saul that obedience to God's commands is more important than sacrifices.

Be Encouraged

Obedience to God is a clear demonstration of our love and respect for Him. Just as Samuel told Saul, God values our willingness to listen and follow His instructions more than any sacrifice we could offer. It is not about what we can give to God but about how we live our lives according to His will. When we prioritise obedience, we show our true commitment to Him.

Think of it in everyday terms: a child may offer to clean their room to please their parents, but if they continually disobey their parents' rules, their actions show a lack of respect. Similarly, our offerings and sacrifices mean little if we are not living in obedience to God's commands. True humility before God is shown through our willingness to follow His guidance and live by His principles.

Application

Reflect on these verses: John 14:21, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me," and Proverbs 21:3, "To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

Invitation

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, I invite you to visit any nearby Church of Christ to be assisted in obeying the gospel of Christ: through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins to be saved (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you can continue to learn and grow in your relationship with Him (Matthew 28:18-20).

Let us put today's message into practice by demonstrating our love for Him through obedience. May our lives be a reflection of our deep affection for Jesus, compelling others to seek Him and experience His love. 

Concluding Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the reminder that obedience is better than sacrifice. Help me walk in obedience each day, motivated by love and gratitude for all You have done for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

I encourage you to share your thoughts on today's meditation with me so I know how you have received the message.

May the Lord bless your day.

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

 


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