Are you willing to obey the good shepherd no matter the cost?Today's Scripture:
Samuel answered, "What pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God than to offer the fat of sheep."
1 Samuel 15:22
Samuel was a prophet in Old Testament times who boldly challenged Israel's king with God's truth as voiced in this verse. King Saul and Israel's armies had just defeated the Amalekites, old enemies who continually threatened the Israelites' way of life. God had told Saul to conquer the Amalekites and to totally destroy their flocks and possessions. Saul and his men obeyed God to a point. They destroyed sick animals and worthless goods, but they kept what was valuable for themselves. When Samuel confronted Saul's disobedience, the king defended his actions, saying he didn't intend to keep the animals but was going to sacrifice them to God.
Samuel's reply to Saul's unconvincing excuse clearly illustrates what matters most to God.
When you choose to disobey God, your worship cannot be wholehearted or sincere.
When you actively listen to God by doing what he asks, you give God a gift he treasures even more than your sacrifice and praise-your heart.
Saul responded to Samuel's words by admitting to God how wrong he had been. God forgave him, but he allowed Saul to suffer the consequences of his disobedience. Saul's greed and deceit cost him the throne. God can use you only to the degree that you obey him. The more deeply you love him the more you'll want to do what he asks and the more you'll end up pleasing him.
Selah people' and friends think of a time in your life when someone was a "Samuel" to you, helping you turn from disobedience to obedience. Take a moment today and thank God for that person and them caring enough to help steer you in the right direction.
"Peace be yours and mine as we celebrate the gift of obedience."
Your pastor,
Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)
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