1 Samuel 15:21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”
1 Samuel 15:22 So 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.
When a parent gives instructions to a child, he/she expects a 100% compliance. But when the child tells the parent ” I will think about it” wouldn’t there be consequences? The Bible is full of life instructions and God expects us to obey instructions without delay ( Rick Warren – 2.6.2017).
Saul was commissioned to go and annihilate the Amalekites. He was given divine instructions to utterly destroy everything. Saul obeyed the voice of God partially ; he destroyed the Amalekites. But on the other hand, he disobeyed the Lord by taking the plunder, sheep,oxen and the best of things which should have been destroyed. According to Saul, they were to be used later for sacrifice.This led to his downfall.
The Bible is full of instructions and God expects us to obey them right away. Our heavenly father has our best interests at heart. When we delay in accomplishing what he has said , we cause a delay of the accompanying blessings and eventually face the consequences of our disobedience. When we disobey , we become spiritually indifferent, the things of God become a routine and our desire for prayer, the word, the church and spiritual service is quenched ( Pastor Jim Sole- Quidnessett Baptist Church).
Further readings:
1Sa 15:10-23
Psa 119:60
Mar 1:17-20
🙏 Blessed Day 🙏