Choosing God’s Way, Not Ours
Morning: 1 Samuel 15-16
Evening: Luke 14:25-35
In 1 Samuel 15–16, we witness one of the most sobering moments in Scripture: Saul is rejected as king because of partial obedience. He was told to utterly destroy Amalek, but instead, he spared King Agag and the best of the livestock. Saul claimed he did it for sacrifice, but God made it clear through Samuel: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Obedience is not about outward action alone but about the condition of the heart.
In contrast, God then chooses David—not because of appearance or stature but because of his heart. “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
In Luke 14:25–35, Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship. Following Him means surrendering everything—relationships, possessions, even our own ambitions. True discipleship cannot be halfway. It must be rooted in a heart that says, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”
God is calling for full obedience, not performance. For hearts that beat in sync with His, not just hands that act outwardly. This is the kind of follower He seeks—one who lives not for approval, but for alignment with His heart.
Key Insights
- Partial Obedience Is Still Disobedience
Saul thought sparing the best animals was acceptable—but God had asked for full obedience. (1 Samuel 15:23) - God Looks at the Heart, Not the Appearance
David was overlooked by men but chosen by God. What matters most is a surrendered, faithful heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) - Discipleship Requires Total Surrender
Jesus doesn’t want half-hearted followers. He calls us to count the cost and carry our cross. (Luke 14:26–27) - Good Intentions Don’t Replace God’s Instructions
Saul claimed he spared animals for sacrifice—but God wasn’t impressed. He desires obedience, not justification. - God Will Use the Unexpected for His Glory
David, a shepherd boy, wasn’t anyone’s first choice—but he was God’s. When your heart is aligned with Him, He will lift you up in due time.
Connection to Other Scripture
John 14:15 – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
This verse reinforces the truth that love for God is best expressed through obedience—not talk, not intention, but action rooted in surrender.
Questions to Reflect On
- Are there areas in my life where I am obeying God halfway?
- Do I sometimes justify disobedience by calling it “good intentions”?
- Am I more concerned with how things appear than what’s really in my heart?
- What would it look like to surrender “everything” to Jesus today?
- Am I willing to pay the cost of true discipleship?
A Prayer for Today
Father God, thank You for Your mercy and patience. Forgive me for the times I’ve obeyed halfway or sought to please others more than You. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to value obedience over performance, and to follow You with my whole heart, no matter the cost. I want to be a true disciple—one who lives and loves like Jesus. In His name I pray, amen.