[One-Verse Meditation]

1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV) But Samuel replied: “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.”

[Meditation]

Cornered by Samuel’s rebuke, Saul scrambles to make excuses. He sidesteps blame, pointing to “the people” and justifying his actions by saying it was to sacrifice “to the LORD your God.” At this, Samuel utters the famous declaration we all know: “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” Then, he delivers the final blow: “Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”

Struck by this thunderous declaration, Saul clings to Samuel, begging for forgiveness and confessing he sinned because he feared the people. Yet, as Samuel turns to leave, Saul grabs him so desperately that his robe tears. He then makes one last plea: “Please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”

Saul’s repentance and worship were not directed at God. They were still for the sake of his own prestige before the people. Saul was, in fact, a self-worshiper who used sacrifice as an excuse to honor himself. “Honor me!”—He did not know God’s heart. Indeed, he did not know God. He did not understand that obedience, which is better than sacrifice, is to know God and become one with His heart.

This incident awakens in us the identity of a saint. The people of God are those who know God and are united with His heart. They are the people of God, the holy assembly, the saints. When we are in Christ Jesus through the Word, we walk the steps of a saint—the steps of obedience according to His will.

[Prayer]

Lord, I see that to know God and to be in His will is obedience. This means my own will must be broken. Yet I know that joy is found in that very place, at that very time, for Your goodness is always better than what seems good to me. Let me walk that walk of faith today. Amen.
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[Daily Meditation]

1 Samuel 15:17-35