“…so Samuel said, “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 the fat of Rams…” —1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV)
In the opening text, we see that Prophet Samuel explains to King Saul what God loves more than offerings or sacrifices. And according to him, it is obedience. God hates disobedience. This was what Adam did that made him lose the garden that God kept in his trust. Adam lost his position and authority to the devil out of disobedience to God’s words and instructions. And the same thing happened to King Saul because he could not follow the strict instructions that God gave him. Today, we still see Christians who are battling with following God in His word. It’s not so difficult to hear God and follow Him, yet a lot of people still find it hard to follow His instructions. In very little things, you will actually see disobedience displayed again and again. From the way, people tell lies, to the way they are unfaithful with paying their tithes and also praying to God in the morning, and lots more. It all reflects disobedience. These days, people find it very difficult to follow God’s word.
However, one thing we must come to realize as a new creation is that the old life of Adam is not in us. We have been created in the new image of the one who walked with God in obedience, and therefore God expects obedience from us too, just like our savior Jesus obeyed him. If there is something the
The sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ taught us obedience to the will of God and His instructions. At a point, we saw the reluctance of Jesus to die because of the separation he would face from the Father. But yet again, we heard him say, “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). This means sometimes, we may not be comfortable in what we are required to do, but the simple act of obedience is what God needs from us and that is what he is waiting for from us. Jesus was able to obey God and do His will because he wouldn’t have it any other way. What about you? How would you have it? Would you rather disobey God and please yourself and the longing of your flesh? It’s a choice and you can make that choice today.
Today’s Rhema
Obeying the Lord will take nothing from you; instead, it will add to your life!
Confession for the Day
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 instructions and to your ways. Thank you Father for helping me achieve this in Jesus name. Amen!
