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1 Samuel 15

Good Morning
“Complete Obeyers”.  Today we are in 1 Samuel 15.

God’s instructions are clear.  I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel.  ”Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’ ”“ 1 Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Totally”… every person, every animal - nothing was to be left.  Yet, as the story unfolds we see that Saul can’t resist keeping some of the animals.  He’s decided he’ll go around Gods command but he’ll pacify God by offering “the best” animals as a sacrifice.  Is that what God asked for?  Furthermore Saul demonstrates the depth of his sinful heart by capturing Agag King of the Amalekites, as a trophy.  

We see a very important principle come to light here.  God makes His commands clear!  His Word is complete!  We don’t get to tip toe around it with partial obedience.  Sacrifice in the midst of disobedience doesn’t somehow make it better.  “… 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.“ 1 Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I’m reminded of Micah 6:8.  Isreal once again has rebelled and God is about to act.  In Micah 6 we see dialog between Micah and The Lord.  What can we do to please The Lord?  Thousands of animals in sacrifice?  Our firstborn children?  Check out Gods response - ”He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.“
‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s bring it down to earth.  “Yes, dad, I stole your wallet.  But, look I bought you a gift with part of the money I took!”  Doesn’t wash does it?

Pretty simple.  Be obedient - Completely!  Obedience doesn’t save us, but it does demonstrate we’re saved. Consider The Words of Jesus - ”Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”“
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in!