More Acceptable than Sacrifices
By J. W. Rich
The Thing Desired Above Everything Else
"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Sam. 15:22. To Saul had been given the commission of destroying the Amalekites, both man and beast, for the part they had taken in hindering the passage of the children of Israel in their desert wanderings.424The critical moment came, and Saul was brought to the test as to whether he would listen to the voice of God, or yield to his own short-sighted reasonings. The sound of the bleating sheep, and the lowing of the cattle, reminded him of what he thought would be a great offering to God—devotion to His cause. What an opportunity to show one's allegiance! What a great sacrifice can be offered to God! And would this not be better than uselessly slaying these animals and casting them aside? Then, too, there was the king, a goodly personage; why should he die, when he could just as well be spared? Thus Saul reasoned, and thus he acted upon his reasoning. How often do men and women reason thus in these days! It is true that the Lord has told us what we should do; but after all, we get the idea well grounded, in some way or other, that the Lord does not mean exactly what He says, and that a large latitude is given us in deciding what we should do and what we should not do. Thus did Saul reason, and it was that very reasoning which cost him his kingdom. When the prophet came into his presence, and heard the noise of the flocks, his first inquiry was: What meaneth this bleating and lowing that I hear? Have you obeyed the Lord in the destruction of the Amalekites, as He gave word? Undoubtedly Saul trembled at the scathing question. ("Thy backslidings shall reprove thee," Jer. 2:19); but thinking that an offering to the work of God would be an acceptable tribute for his disobedience, he endeavored to shield himself from further criticism. It was not because Saul misunderstood or did not know the Lord's directions that he went astray, but because he presumed upon God's word, and thought to substitute his own ideas for a plain "Thus saith the Lord." Then it was that the kingdom slipped from under the control of Saul, and passed to one who would obey. Then were those memorable words uttered, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." Those words were spoken to Saul, but they carry a weighty message to every man and woman to-day. We are not to obey merely when everything is favorable to our compliance, but we are to obey Him when it is difficult. Obedience, and not personal convenience, is the test of allegiance. Hear the venerable man Job saying, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Obedience is the highest type of worship. Simply trust Him. SLIPPING FROM THE GRASP OF THOUSANDS
How many there are to-day who are meeting with the same conditions, and — shall we say it? — with the same results! The kingdom of God is slipping from the grasp of thousands because they presume that a substitute service will be accepted. Do not be deceived into believing that God will accept a number of versions as to what His requirements are, when He has spoken plainly so that all may understand. "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." No amount of reasoning will ever change the wording or its meaning. God has spoken, and let the puny ideas of men be kept veiled so long as God is God. To offer a substitute to God in this matter will only mean ruin and disaster, just as it did to Saul. God is particular as to what He says, and will allow no human reasoning to discount His word. "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies." Isa. 28:17. It will make a difference through all eternity whether we take God at His word or not. "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." Ps. 119:89. May it be with us each and all!