[The Glory Unveiled]
But Samuel replied:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. [ 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV ]
Saul’s attitude when instructed by God to destroy the Amalekites, including their king, and his response afterward is typical of many believers. Often, we attempt to outsmart God. When we disobey God and engage in actions He instructs us against, our default attitude should be remorse and repentance. However, we often try to cleverly evade accountability. Adam blamed God for giving him a woman who misled him, Cain denied responsibility for his brother’s welfare after killing him, and David resorted to killing Uriah to conceal his adultery. Instead of seeking mercy with humility, we frequently attempt to find excuses. Saul disobeyed God, doing what he deemed right to please people. When held accountable by God, he refused to admit his wrongdoing. He even sacrificed to God while not in good terms with Him. God values obedience over showy sacrifices; it’s better to obey than to offer elaborate sacrifices. The spirit of humility, however, facilitates faster forgiveness and deliverance than many alternative approaches. So instead of falling on other alternative approaches, let us humble ourselves, ask for forgiveness and amend our ways. So that Saul’s fate will not befall us. Let’s change our ways through humility and obedient submission to God, remembering that “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Prayer_Bead: Omnipotent, Omniscient Father, thank you for the grace to obey you at all cost. Help me to seek to please you alone in all things.
Wisdom_Quote: Obedience is better than sacrifices.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.