20061231
1 Samuel 15:1-26
talks about how God delights in obedience more than burnt offerings and sacrifices. v22
Saul did not obey God's instruction to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions completely. He and his soldiers spared Agag king of the Amalekites and the best of the sheep and cattle. v9 He wanted to sacrifice the plunder like the sheep to the Lord. v21
Because Saul rejected the word of the Lord, God rejected him as king. v23
v24 Then Saul said to Samuel, " I have sinned. I violated the Lord's commands and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them.
Personal reflections
In this passage, I have seen that God delights in our whole-hearted obedience to His commands, and not disobeying some part, rationalising that this pleases God, as in Saul's case. "I did obey God, destroyed everything except the best of the plunder, so I can sacrifice to the Lord" paraphrased from v20-21
I think his soldiers were probably greedy and wanted to keep the best of the plunder. For Saul, he was afraid to the people(soldiers) and so gave in to them. v24
This passage speaks to me deeply. Knowing God delights in my total obedience to Him, and not compromising His commands under pressure from friends, yet I lack the courage to stand up unwaveringly for God. I do not want to fear men and give in to them; I want to fear God and stand up for Christ, to be His salt and light in this world. I'm weak but God is strong, I believe He can give me strength to live the life that is pleasing to Him.
Abba,
I pray that You'll fill me with Your Holy Spirit continually, that I may have power to live the life that reflects You, to walk in obedience of all Your ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Zeniv
starSfish @ 1:07 AM link to post