1st Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry".
This passage of scripture records the reproof given to king Saul after he refused to carry out the command of God in entirety, but instead offered a partial obedience, with the vain hope that it would be accepted by The Lord. The history of his errors and mistakes are fraught with instruction for us who are living on the brink of eternity, in an era where many of us feel at liberty to do whatsoever is right in our own eyes, regardless of God's instructions on various matters. When king Saul was sent to destroy the Amalekites, their cup of iniquity had already been full, and therefore they had passed the hidden boundary between God's forbearance and His justice. But even this fact is not the real issue at stake here, for the commands of God are to be implicitly obeyed, whether we understand the reasons behind them or not.
When Samuel accosted Saul on the matter, he confirmed himself in disobedience, instead of admitting that he was wrong, and whoever follows in His footsteps will soon find themselves destitute of God's grace and pardoning love, for God cannot work with anyone who will not obey. As a matter of fact, obedience that works by love is the most prominent and decisive characteristic that is taken into consideration when assessing our eligibility to enter heaven. The reason for this is that if we harbor a disposition to do as we please, we will take that same attitude to heaven, and the deadly cycle of sin and death will start all over again, a scenario that is never going to take place under any circumstances. Let's read:
Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. 20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. 21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.
In our own experiences as Christians, it is necessary for us to often take stock of ourselves to see whether we are becoming more obedient or more rebellious everyday, whether the disposition to comply with God's instructions is being cultivated, or whether we are becoming more prone to take unwarranted liberties. The attitude of a humble learner in the school of Christ, coupled together with a ready willing mind to obey all that God says is what The Lord is looking for, in those who will be called to take the last message of salvation to a dying world. God cannot use those who have developed the habit of infusing their own ideas and methods into His work, nor can He work through those who think that a little disobedience should be acceptable in His sight.
All such attitudes will have to be resolutely overcome, if we are to be a part of that great army of Christian soldiers, who are to take the triumphs of the Cross, to a world sitting in spiritual darkness. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encapsulates the need for obedience to every known word of God, as a prerequisite for entrance into His kingdom, and it is the will of God that we now begin to cultivate a disposition to be willing and obedient to everything He says. Let's read:
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!