1 Samuel 15:10-29

Then 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 heed than the fat of rams. (v22)

The “Glory of Israel,” that is, the unchanging One, had regrets that he had made Saul king. Not because the Lord had changed his mind, but because Saul had changed from humble and obedient to rebellions and arrogant. It is God’s unchangeable nature, the writer of Hebrews declares, that encourages us because it is the basis of our hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19) Because “the Lord has sworn and will not change his mind,” Jesus is forever our high priest, who “is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:21,25) Jesus comes in the name of the unchanging One, becoming the guarantee of a new covenant of grace. To obey is Better 1 Samuel 15:22  Elisabeth Elliot tells the story of a little girl who instead of doing her chores, decided she should spend that hour practicing on the piano. She sat proudly plunking away “Jesus loves Me.” Her mother called her from the other room, reminding the child of her duties, but she continued the melody of praise. Was her piano playing rewarded? Not at all. Songs of praise lose their meaning when offered out of disobedience. To lead or to obey, said the prophet, “is better than the fat of rams.” Be quiet for a moment and let the Spirit scrutinize your offering of late to the Lord. The Lord is neither pleased nor honoured when we offer Him anything short of complete obedience – Joni Eareckson Tada

PRAYER LINE: Father, thank You for Your promises. Make me a worthy servant for signs and wonders

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No one is beyond the reach of God’s love.