What’s More Important?

Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they  demanded. 1 Samuel 15:24 (NLT)
 
King Saul succumbed to popular opinion rather than following God’s instructions. Have you ever been in this situation?
 
The back story: The Israelites have entered the Promised Land and are conquering the inhabitants. God’s strict instructions are to destroy everyone and everything.

How awful! We don’t like the bloody Old Testament, but God knows these polytheistic people will distract the Israelites unless they are completely destroyed. Even though they don’t understand God’s reasoning (and we still don’t), they need to trust Him and obey. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

The Israelites are having wonderful success with God on their side. However, after defeating the Amelekites Saul brings home the best sheep, goats, and cattle in addition to other plunder. Scripture implies the Israelites thought it a waste to kill such fine livestock, so King Saul relented. Saul back-peddles when confronted, explaining that he intends to sacrifice all these animals to God in gratitude
for their win. But God doesn’t buy Saul’s cover-up.
 
Because of Saul’s disobedience, God places a new king over Israel – a man after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Saul loses his job over some goats and God declares:

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. (1
Samuel 15:22)

Is this story relevant in 2016?
Does popular opinion ever outweigh obedience to God?
Is Biblical teaching ever disregarded as illogical?
What is the Holy Spirit whispering to you?
 
Obedience is better than sacrifice. (tweet it)
 
#SeedsOfScripture #obedience

1 Comment

  1. Anonymous on May 18, 2016 at 12:37 PM

    Comment from Richard Alger:
    I kind of identify with Saul. After all, did a lawyer draw up an agreement saying everything had to be destroyed? Did Saul sign this agreement and was it notarized? And the goats were so healthy. The people could only eat so much at one time. The rest would have gone to waste. And as far as losing his job to Samuel, Saul had salted enough money away that he could live pretty comfortably for the rest of his life. popularity is something that comes and goes. You never know when the ax is going to fall. or when will they give you a brass ring. And besides this profit that told me this stuff, how do I really know he is the real thing.

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