1 Samuel 15:22-23 Oh stubborn and rebellious one--you....

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Here is some reading for you. Go to 1 Samuel chapters 13, 14, & 15. Very good and take time to let the words sink in to what Samuel is saying, how Saul interprets, and what happens.

Today 1 Samuel 15:22-23 "But Samuel replied, 'What is more pleasing to the LORD; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So, because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.'"

To really understand this read the above chapters mentioned. This is the first of many places in the Bible where the theme "obedience is better than sacrifice" is stated. Was Samuel saying that sacrifice is unimportant? No, he was urging Saul to look at his reasons for making the sacrifice rather than at the sacrifice itself.

A sacrifice was a ritual transaction between a person and God that physically demonstrated a relationship between them. BUT, if the person's heart was not truly repentant or if he did not truly love God, the sacrifice was a hollow ritual.

Religious ceremonies or rituals are empty unless they are performed with an attitude of love and obedience.

Being "religious", going to church, serving on a committee, giving to charity, volunteering, -is not enough if we do not act out of devotion and obedience to God.

Rebellion and stubbornness are serious sins. Scripture equates them with witchcraft and idolatry, sins worthy of death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 13:12-15; 18:10; Micah 5:10-14).

Saul became both rebellious and stubborn, which is possibly the most serious sin of all as he was closing the door to forgiveness and restoration with God. Where are you today oh fair one? Are you stubborn and rebellious? Oh, but you can justify it as Saul did. Take time, pray, ask for forgiveness, repent and walk with the LORD. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny