“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. Religious observance without obedience is empty before God. The best sacrifice we can bring to God is a repentant heart (Psalm 51:16-17) and our bodies surrendered to His service for obedience (Romans 12:1).
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. Yet it would be almost 25 years before there was another king enthroned in Israel. Saul’s rejection was final, but it was not immediate. God used almost 25 years to train up the right replacement for Saul.
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)
