Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from 1 Samuel 15:22-25. I’m coming back to the heart of worship. I’m bringing more than a song, a prayer or a sacrifice. I’m bringing You obedience!
“ But Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”
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24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”
Obedience, discipline trumps talent
Above is an excellent example of God directing us to the new covenant that Jesus laid out. In the new covenant, lust is seen the same as adultery, Matthew 5:28. In the same way that God looks beyond what the rest of the world can see and into the heart for this sin, He is also looking beyond the physical world for His worship.
Obedience speaks volumes for the heart. Obedience by definition requires submission. When you obey the law and commands of God, you submit yourself to His authority, leadership, and guidance. Your obedience shouts that God and His ways are most important to you!
I have a background in the highest performing sports world. Many times I have seen how disciplined athletes can overcome the most talented. The discipline of ongoing training and submission to the coach’s instruction create a winning solution. In the same way as discipline creates winners, obedience creates supernatural winners. The obedience to God in your heart is music to His ears greater than any song!
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, Jesus, for Your sacrifice on the cross. We have just celebrated your obedience and action in taking the cross. Help me by your spirit to be obedient to you. Give me Your strength to stand firm when it would be easier to walk away.
In Jesus Name,
Amen