“To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin
of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” (v.22-23)
Obedience is what God desires, not sacrifices. It is an obedient
heart surrendered to Him that pleases Him. One could make a thousand sacrifices for God, work a thousand hours for God’s service, or give millions of dollars to His work. But all these sacrifices mean little if there is not a surrendered heart to God, shown by simple obedience.
Saul had gone from the humble man
who didn't think he could do the job, to a cocky liar that defends his
rebellion, even blaming those he leads to save his own skin. A rebellious, stubborn heart rejects God just as certainly as someone rejects God by occult practices or idolatry. And because Saul, in his empty religious practice, rebellion, and stubbornness against God, rejected God’s word - So, God rightly rejected him as king over Israel.
God is not after our sacrifices or other ritualistic practices, He is after a heart surrendered
to Him in humility. We often look for some way to please God with service or
sacrifice, when God is just looking for a humble obedient heart. The work the
Spirit guides us to is rarely some great sacrifice, but often many little ones. Like, saying a word of encouragement here, lending a hand there, is far more pleasing to Him than any half hearted
sacrificial service we could perform.
Therefore, seek His direction, listen to your still small voice, be obedient, surrender to Him in true
humility, and He will use you for His kingdom.
The Truth: “Teach me
to do Your will, For You are
my God; Your Spirit is
good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” (Psalm 143:10)
