Day Two 1 Samuel 15:22
“But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.’” – 1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT)
Discover
1. Who is the person speaking in this verse?
2. What command does Samuel give?
3. What is more important to the Lord than sacrifices?
Respond
Have you ever tried to strike a deal with God? Sometimes we try to please God with works, thinking we can get Him to do what we want instead of doing what He has called us to do. In this case, Saul, who God made king of Israel, tried to do what he thought was right rather than doing what God commanded him to do. The prophet Samuel showed Saul that God wants His people to listen to Him rather than try and do things to merit His favor. Spend some time thinking about the ways you may be trying to strike a deal with God, whether it’s for a job, relationship, health, or something else. Then spend some time in prayer asking God to help you be more obedient in aligning your will with His.
For Further Reading: The Good and the Better
For Families with Kids at Home
Kids can have a hard time understanding how to hear God’s voice. Explain that God speaks through His Word and through others, even you as their parent(s). When your kids know how to listen to God’s voice, it will help them build a stronger relationship with God and teach them how to obey Him.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.