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Obedience - 1 Samuel 15:22
Manage episode 365626478 series 3297413
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether
Today we will read 1 Samuel 15:22. This verse says, “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.”
With these words Saul is rejected as king of Israel and David - the man after God’s own heart - replaces him.
I have to admit at first reading to having a little sympathy for Saul. I mean look at him. Not perfect by any means, but by the time he figures out his folly, seeks forgiveness and is seemingly denied. Harsh. I mean who hasn’t disobeyed? David disobeyed in spectacular fashion but was never rejected as king. You could say that David’s sin exceeded Saul’s. And after all, isn’t obedience just a type of sacrifice in itself?
But consider that this verse, like all scripture, is insight into the heart of God. This verse sheds light on what moves Him. What doesn’t move Him? Sacrifice. Sacrifice is giving a thing. Even giving another life, something of value that would “appease” God. As if God is a moody tyrant who needs a bribe. As if God’s favor could be bought with a price.
But that’s not God. God is ultimately after relationship. And for those willing to hear it, romance. Bribery and appeasement have no place in romance. What does though? Paying attention, honor, love, submission. In short - obedience. When these are violated no amount of sacrifice restores them. This is why even when David committed such atrocities as adultery, intrigue, and murder, he remained and is forever hailed as a man after God’s own heart. What troubled Saul the most was losing his position. What broke David’s heart was the severed intimacy between him and God. And while David’s disobedience resulted in very real consequences (as does ours) for the worshipper, God is always at the ready to forgive and continue the romance.
Obedience always makes the felt reality of romance sweeter.
“God, I don’t want to disobey. I’ve done enough of that. I want You. I want to be close to You. I want the sweetness of Your Presence. Allow me to feel that now.”
397 episoder
Manage episode 365626478 series 3297413
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether
Today we will read 1 Samuel 15:22. This verse says, “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.”
With these words Saul is rejected as king of Israel and David - the man after God’s own heart - replaces him.
I have to admit at first reading to having a little sympathy for Saul. I mean look at him. Not perfect by any means, but by the time he figures out his folly, seeks forgiveness and is seemingly denied. Harsh. I mean who hasn’t disobeyed? David disobeyed in spectacular fashion but was never rejected as king. You could say that David’s sin exceeded Saul’s. And after all, isn’t obedience just a type of sacrifice in itself?
But consider that this verse, like all scripture, is insight into the heart of God. This verse sheds light on what moves Him. What doesn’t move Him? Sacrifice. Sacrifice is giving a thing. Even giving another life, something of value that would “appease” God. As if God is a moody tyrant who needs a bribe. As if God’s favor could be bought with a price.
But that’s not God. God is ultimately after relationship. And for those willing to hear it, romance. Bribery and appeasement have no place in romance. What does though? Paying attention, honor, love, submission. In short - obedience. When these are violated no amount of sacrifice restores them. This is why even when David committed such atrocities as adultery, intrigue, and murder, he remained and is forever hailed as a man after God’s own heart. What troubled Saul the most was losing his position. What broke David’s heart was the severed intimacy between him and God. And while David’s disobedience resulted in very real consequences (as does ours) for the worshipper, God is always at the ready to forgive and continue the romance.
Obedience always makes the felt reality of romance sweeter.
“God, I don’t want to disobey. I’ve done enough of that. I want You. I want to be close to You. I want the sweetness of Your Presence. Allow me to feel that now.”
397 episoder
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