Read 1 Samuel 15:22–23

Samuel was not impressed. Having discovered that the self-reliant king had once again disobeyed God’s command, the exasperated prophet rebuked the stubborn king as few men in Scripture were rebuked:

What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshipping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king. (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

The sands of time have covered over the ancient scene, but our bent to disobey is still present. Because of this, take a long look at Samuel’s rebuke once again. In summary, he said three serious things to Saul:

• To obey is better than all sorts of sacrificial activities.
• To rebel is like involving yourself in demonism.
• To disobey is no better than worshipping an idol.

Powerful words! They make sense in our lives too.

Has the Lord clearly led you to do something and yet you are saying “No” or “Not now”? Maybe you’re trying to bargain with him, substituting something else in place of His direct advice...like Saul. Wait no longer—obey!

Is there within you a stubborn spirit that causes you to rebel, argue, and fight back, even though you know it’s against His leading? Perhaps you’ve bragged about your strong will or have cultivated the habit of resistance...like Saul. Rebel no more—obey!

Have you developed the deceitful technique of hiding your disobedience behind the human masks of lies or rationalization or manipulation or blame...like Saul? Deceive no further—obey!

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.