OBEDIENCE

1 Samuel 15:22-23; 35b
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Lord Rejects Saul

22 But Samuel replied,

“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.
23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
So because you have rejected the command of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”

… And the Lord was sorry he had ever made Saul king of Israel.


How tragic it would be if when the Lamb’s Book of Life is opened, you find an entry saying the Lord was sorry He ever selected you. It was Saul’s disobedience (sin) which drew this response from the Lord. Genuine confession and repentance (which Saul lacked) is the response the Lord requires.