What Does God Desire?

 

   The Lord told Saul, “Now go and attack Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have” (I Samuel 15:3).  So Saul went to Amalek and attacked it, but he spared Agag the king, as well as the best of all that the Amalekites had.  It is easy to look at this passage and see the blatant rebellion against, and disregard for God’s command.  As well, it is easy to harshly judge Saul’s actions, thus leaving this record behind.  Truly this condemnation is deserved, but let us not leave it before thoroughly examining our own lives in its light.  Is it possible that you are blinded, as was David when it was necessary for Nathan to declare, “Thou art the man.”? (II Samuel 12:7).

 

   Many souls, possibly with good intentions, may be just as guilty of rebellious sin as was Saul. Let’s look further into this account of his actions. Saul first asserted that he had performed the commandment of the Lord. Then Samuel asked him why he had returned with spoils of war. To which Saul replied, “They have brought them…to sacrifice to the Lord your God” (I Samuel 15:15). But he soon learned that God is never pleased, though intentions may be good, if we act through disobedience.  For Samuel said, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams” (I Samuel 15:22).

 

   There are many things that men may see fit to offer to God. Some men see fit to offer a sinner’s prayer in exchange for salvation, but I Peter 3:21 tells us that more than a prayer is required. Some men say that worship in song is best when accompanied by a mechanical instrument, but God simply said to sing (Ephesians 5:19). Some men say faith only is needed for salvation, but God, in His word says, “…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

 

   Man will always possess his own ideas as to what God desires, but shouldn’t it be God who commands what we will and will not do?  He desires your obedience.  Learn His will and obey it today.

 

- - - - Darrell Powell

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