April 14, 2016: SOAP #2324:  

Scripture: 1Samuel (NIV) 15:22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Observation: King Saul had been commanded by the Lord to totally destroy the Amalekites, nothing was to be spared. But he had spared the king and many of the sheep. When Samuel confronted him, the king gave the excuse that the soldiers had kept the best sheep to be sacrificed to the Lord.

Two things are noteworthy. First, King Saul did not take the responsibility for the disobedience, but blamed others. Second, King Saul claimed that the disobedience was justified by some higher purpose—they were to be use for sacrifices. Leaders can always find someone else to blame.   They can justify what they do by claiming good intentions.

Application: I need to be faithful to take responsibility for my actions and for those under my authority. I must always acknowledge that I will never have a better idea than God’s! God will never say to Leon, “What a great idea! I wish I would have thought of that!” Obedience is not an option when God’s directives are clear.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I trust you enough to obey you. I trust your understanding and wisdom. I trust your ability to speak to me and to work through me. I trust your love for me.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!