Better to Obey the Voice of the Lord

1 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.

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

In today’s church we find that the emphasis is often placed on serving, working, submitting but it’s all to an organization or a man or woman behind the pulpit.  Oftentimes, it’s not stated verbally but it is insinuated and often expected of it’s members.  We often tie belonging to a church with our Salvation, but if we were to read our bibles in the full meaning and context of scriptures, we will find that our loyalty and commitment is to the Lord.  There is nothing wrong with going to a church or belonging to an organization, the bible encourages that, but our loyalty and commitment is to the Lord and His redemption plan, Calvary. Commitment ends when the word of God has been violated, misinterpreted, manipulated, and abused.  In 1 Samuel 15:22, you can see where King Saul thought that his participation in a religious event and the offering of sacrifices to the Lord, but having to neglect to obey the Lord’s command, would bring about a favorable response from God.

In the Hebrew text, the words, “to obey is better than sacrifice” asserts in the clearest terms the superiority of moral to ritual worship, and that God can only be really served with the heart.  This is what we are missing in most of our churches.  We are more focused on externally building our kingdoms instead of allowing the Spirit of God to build us in character morally and internally.  We have forgotten that Christ is the Head of the Church, that is the Body of Christ.  Many as stated in Mark 7:7-13, have allowed the traditions of the church and man to hinder us in our relationship with the Lord by laying aside the commandment of God for the rules and traditions of men. 

Notice that Samuel states that the Lord has a great delight in obeying the voice of the Lord.  I have come to the conclusion that the reason we are so loyal to men is due to not knowing the voice of the Lord.  The bible states that His sheep follow Him because they know His voice and a stranger they will not follow (John 10:4-5).  I have seen many leaders upset with individuals because they will not follow them, their ministry, their planning and efforts outside of faith in Calvary.  Those who are of Christ, follow His message, His voice and those of like faith…etc., and His alone.  Why?  Because Christ states that “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men”(John 12:32).  The way in which He was lifted up was at Calvary where He paid the price for our redemption.  It is not enough to lift up churches, ministries, works, activities, leaders ….etc., but this message of the atonement made at Calvary is where the power resides to save and deliver all men who will believe.

True worshipers, obey God by the power of the Holy Spirit when one’s faith is properly placed in Calvary, according to the Truth (as only found in the message of the Cross) of the Gospel which brings about true freedom and rest from all bondage.  Follow Him!

~Shonette