Devotional Journal: Reflection on 1 Samuel 15:22-23
In the eyes of God what is most important? Is it what we do such as praying, fasting, and offering sacrifices of praise and worship? Could it be us taking heed to His word, commandments, and prompting of the Holy Spirit? It is our obedience that brings great delight to the LORD. Obedience must be above our giving. The heart of everything that we do for God must come from this place.
Rebellion and stubbornness are the enemy of obedience. There is no negotiation when it comes to obeying the LORD. When our heart is solid as rock, we become stubborn to the things of God. This hardness of heart skews our perception. What is good to us and for us is seen with bitterness. Restrictions are viewed as control and prayers that haven’t been answered causes despise because you think you know what is best above God. For what is true can no longer be swallowed as truth because of the heart’s refusal.
It is not about what we think is most important but what He Has declared to be. Obedience is not blindly taking heed but thoughtful understanding and clarity through faith that the LORD is everything He claims to be. In Him we can safely rest. In this we shall truly see the blessing that comes through obedience.
LORD, we all have fall short of heeding your commands. Place within me a soft heart that is willing to receive your word. You know what is best for me and obedience to you will lead me to freedom. Help me every step of the way. In Jesus name Amen!
22 And Samuel said,
Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord,
He hath also rejected thee from being king.– 1 Samuel 15:22–23 (KJV 1900)
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