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“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'” (I Samuel 15:22, NIV)

The adage, “It is better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission,” has no traction in a disciple’s relationship with his or her heavenly Father.

Like any good parent, God wants you and me to be obedient to His will and to His way because disobedience does require sacrifice: Sacrificed time, sacrificed opportunities, sacrificed relationships that might have sustained us and, most notably, sacrificed intimacy with our God and Creator.

In the economy of heaven, simple obedience is always preferable to our most extravagant “make-ups” and “make-goods” for disobedience. Better to do it right the first time up! – Luther

Tagged obedience, sacrifice, the book of 1 Samuel

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“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt.” (I Samuel 15:2, NIV)

There are times in life when others deal unfairly — or even ruthlessly — with us, as the Amalekites did with the Children of Israel during their time in the wilderness.

There is no denying the pain of a betrayal, or the expense of the remedies; but as a disciple of Jesus, we must remain focused on the task(s) God has set before us.

The Lord God did not forget the offenses of the Amalekites. At a time of the Lord’s choosing, he addressed the offenses of Israel’s enemies. He will do the same for us if — repeat — if we will forego vengeance, keeping scores, and bearing grudges against those who have wounded us.

Our heavenly Father has these things “for action.” Our assigned task is to remain utterly faithful to do all that He has set before us. – Luther

Tagged Amalekites, patience, the book of 1 Samuel, vengeance

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“Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, ‘Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.’ And Saul offered up the burnt offering.” (I Samuel 13:7b-9, NIV)

The prophet Samuel had told Saul to wait for his arrival. As Saul waited for the man of God to arrive, things began to get tight: Many of his soldiers deserted. Those who remained were filled with fear.

So, Saul took matters into his own hands — in direct opposition to what he had been told, and knew from experience to be true. The fallout of Saul’s disobedience was severe.

Like Saul, we are also pressed to act contrary to God’s will and to God’s word. Sometimes, it is because our situation seems grim and begs for action. Sometimes, it is because the expectations of others influences our resolve to stand fast.

However, to be a faithful disciple of Jesus means to stand where God has placed us; or to do what God has told us. Resolve to stand in faithful obedience to God until hell freezes over — then stand on the ice! – Luther

Tagged impatience, perseverance, Samuel, Saul, the book of 1 Samuel