Pray the Word with David Platt is a resource from Radical.net.

1 Samuel chapter 15, verse 22.

And Samuel said,

Has 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 listen than the fat of rams.

This is one of the most well-known verses in 1st Samuel.

As we see this picture all over 1st Samuel chapter 15 of claims to be worshipping God,

offering sacrifices before God, even some of the things Saul is doing.

But what's happening is in direct disobedience to God. The danger here that we see in 1st Samuel chapter 15 is that religion offering sacrifices, even participating in supposed worship,

is a mask, can be a mask for disobedience. Can I say that one more time? Like religion and religious observances, worship participation even, can be a mask to cover up disobedience

in our lives.

And God is saying here in His Word, to obey is better than sacrifice.

He says to his people over and over again in the Old Testament.

You bring your offerings and your sacrifices, your songs.

I've not asked for these things.

I've asked for your hearts and your lives and obedience to me.

And if we're not careful, any one of us can get caught up in doing religious things

while covering up for disobedience to God's word in our lives. So we all need to pray. God,

help us. Help us to give to you in worship what you

have asked the obedience of our hearts. God help us to hear your word and to obey your word.

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