Scripture

“Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice

And submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,

And stubbornness is as bad as worshipping idols.”

Observation

Samuel tells Saul that the Lord has decided to settle accounts with the Amalekites. Saul is to go and destroy them completely – every person regardless of age and all of their livestock.

Saul and his men slaughter the Amalekites, but they spare King Agag and only kill the weakest of the animals.

Samuel finds saul and confronts him about sparing the animals. Saul says they only kept them to sacrifice to the Lord. They destroyed everything else.

Samuel says that obedience not sacrifice is what pleases the Lord. Rebellion is as bad as witchcraft or idolatry.

Samuel tells Saul that because Saul has rejected the Lord, the Lord has rejected him as King over Israel. Samuel then kills King Agag.

Application

Obedience to God is far more important than religious sacrifices or heroic deeds.

We must settle it in our hearts that, regardless of the cost, we will always obey the Lord. That is what it means when we say that Jesus is Lord; Jesus is King, Master, the one who directs our lives.

Any other attitude towards Jesus is of the same category as witchcraft or idolatry.

The Lord does not want our tithes and offerings, our attendance at church meetings, or anything else. He wants me and my heart surrendered to Him.

Prayer

Lord, I see that obedience is far better than sacrifice. Please help me to yield to you in everything I do. Amen.