“So 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 heed than the fat of rams.’” — 1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV)
In the opening scripture, Prophet Samuel explains to King Saul that God values obedience more than offerings or sacrifices. God hates disobedience because it separates His children from His best. This was evident when Adam lost the garden God had entrusted to him. He forfeited his position and authority to the devil by ignoring God’s specific instructions.
King Saul suffered a similar fate because he failed to follow the Lord’s strict commands. Even today, many Christians struggle to follow God’s Word in their daily lives. While hearing and following Him shouldn’t be difficult, many still find it hard to submit to His instructions. Disobedience often shows up in small ways, from telling lies to being unfaithful with tithes and service.
As new creations, we must realize that the old nature of Adam no longer lives in us. We are created in the image of Jesus, who walked in perfect obedience to the Father. Therefore, God expects the same level of devotion from us today. The sacrificial death of Jesus teaches us the ultimate lesson of submission to God’s will and His instructions.
We see a moment of human reluctance when Jesus faced the prospect of the separation He would endure on the cross. “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” — Luke 22:42 (NLT). Sometimes we may feel uncomfortable with what is required of us, but God simply waits for our willing heart. Jesus obeyed because He wouldn’t have it any other way, and you can make that same choice today.
Today’s Rhema
If you truly want to go far with God, obedience is the way forward!
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the access You have given me to hear Your Word and receive direct instructions from You. I thank You because I am willing to always yield myself to Your ways. Thank You, Father, for helping me achieve this. Amen!
