From today's devotional
Did you ever disobey your parents when you were younger? Imagine with me that your parents asked you to be home by midnight. What would have happened if you strolled in at two in the morning? One thing is for certain, they wouldn't have been very happy. They would still love you, but you would have been in trouble! Even if you came in at two a.m. bearing lavish gifts for them, it wouldn't change the simple fact that you chose to disobey. You see, obedience is a sign of respect. It shows you honor the position and worth of the other person.
This is why obedience is central to our worship. Samuel is speaking here to someone who disobeyed the Lord but tried to make up for it by lavish sacrifices and offerings. He's trying to tell Saul that God isn't interested in our gifts. He is more interested in our obedience.
I know that when I was growing up, my parents preferred to have me honor their requests with obedience rather than disobey but offer gifts to make up for it. It's a matter of giving honor and respect, and for us to worship God rightly, we must honor Him by obeying.
Jesus repeats this simple yet profound truth in John 15:14: "You are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you." He connects the relationship we have with Him to our obedience in the things He asks us to do.
Worship isn't just the twenty minutes we sing together on Sunday morning. God isn't only interested in the sound of our voices and instruments. He's watching the attitude of our hearts as we respond to His commands. True worship is grounded in joyful obedience to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. And when we worship God together in church while practicing lives of obedience, He is glorified!
-Andrew Wooddell
Worship Leader, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale
Worship isn't just the twenty minutes we sing together on Sunday morning. God isn't only interested in the sound of our voices and instruments. He's watching the attitude of our hearts as we respond to His commands. True worship is grounded in joyful obedience to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. And when we worship God together in church while practicing lives of obedience, He is glorified!
Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
