October 6, 2023

Author: Pastor David Miner
October 06, 2023
Reading: 1 Samuel 15 Optional Reading: Samuel 13, 14, 16
“22 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)
One friend refused to go to the school dance, while the other offered to help her mother do the dishes after a fine dinner.
Another friend refuses to play cards with his friends because it is against his religion. But another helps the church to get ready for a large meeting.
Still another friend decides not to watch movies, but another gives a birthday present to her boss.
What is happening here? The initial friend in each paragraph is keeping man-made rules. Nothing in the Bible says you cannot dance, play cards, or go to the movies. Christians keep such rules, but doing so, does not impress God. The other friends mentioned doing positive things by helping their parents, working at church, and giving gifts. Which is better, keeping rules, or obeying the voice of God?
In the Bible story about Saul today, King Saul failed to obey God’s commands. He thought that, by giving special sacrifices of various animals, God would overlook the fact that he did not obey Him in important matters.
God honors obedience. God is pleased when we listen to his voice. Keeping rules is ok, but obeying God’s Word is better.
Lord, may I always keep your Word in my life. Amen.
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