And Samuel said, “Has 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 listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king.
(1 Samuel 15:22-23)

King Saul had disobeyed God and he lost God’s favor. Saul disobeyed God’s instructions because he was captivated by his own ambition and desires. When confronted by Samuel, Saul only gave excuses. He did part of what God had told him to, but he was not willing to be fully obedient. And God rejected him.

How many times are we like Saul? Maybe we find ourselves doing part of what God’s Word says to us, but not quite finishing the job of obedience. It is often our pride and our desire for accomplishment that leads us to hide behind half-truths and excuses. The instruction is clear . . . let the obedience be complete. As Samuel noted, the Lord delights more in obeying His voice than in all the burnt offerings we can give.

Father, thank You for Your Words of Truth! Guide me, and give me the faith & strength I need to obey You in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.