1 Sam.15:22-23  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.

UNPACKING:  Saul waited for Samuel as long as his character could stand it.  Then he took things into his own hand and presumed that circumventing the commandment of the Lord regarding the “sacrifice” was his kingly right.  After all, he was a king.  The situation was bad and he had a privileged position.

God takes willfulness very seriously.  Israel’s first King lost his crown because of  “rebellion” and “stubbornness”.  God desires faith that is willing to be obedient to His Word.  Saul found out the “hard way” that disobedience to God, no matter what the reason, is never acceptable.  If God chooses to wait that is His business.

Disobedience will always end up costing much more than it is worth, no matter what we may call it.  Saul thought of it as “sacrifice”. God calls it “witchcraft’ and “idolatry”.  I teach people that sin is worst than Satan.  God will take care of the devil by prayer and faith.  But, sin will destroy me forever.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to believe that Your Word is Your will.  Bring me to the highest level of faith and that the highest level of faith is obedience.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

COMMITMENT:  My spirit is the “knowing” part of me, the seat of intellect.  My soul is the “feeling” part of me, the seat of my emotion.  My body is the vehicle to physically transport my spirit and soul.  I make a commitment  to let my spirit dominate both, my soul and my body.  I will obey the Word of the Lord.  The Bible is the clearly revealed will of God.

Are there any other lessons in this Word for me today?

What will the consequences be, if I don’t apply these truths in my life?

What else do I need to confess today?  Pray about?

Is there anything in my life that will keep me from honoring this commitment?  What will I do about it?