AUGUST 19 EXCUSES
I Samuel 15:22 “But Samuel replied, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifices and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
God had given Saul a job to do. He was to destroy all the Amalekites and everything they owned. Instead, Saul brought back the king and the best of the calves and lambs. When Samuel confronted Saul about his failure to do as the Lord commanded, Saul had his excuses ready. He spared only the king and the animals were to be a sacrifice to the Lord. That sounds good. However, Samuel tells Saul God does not delight in sacrifices but in obedience. Saul’s acting in his own wisdom and judgment leads to his being dethroned as king of Israel. God does not ask us to evaluate or adjust His commands….to do what we think is best. He expects us to obey, not edit. He takes obedience very seriously as seen by His deposing Saul. Our excuses are not acceptable. Do you want to delight God? Then, obey his instructions.
Father, the excuses come so easily. Let me labor, instead, to do what you ask of me so that I may delight you. In Jesus Name