How does 1 Samuel 15:18 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience? The Command Delivered: Listening to 1 Samuel 15:18 “and He sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.’” (1 Samuel 15:18) What Saul Teaches Us About Obedience • Clear instruction came directly from the LORD. • The command left no room for alternatives or edits. • Saul’s later choice to spare King Agag and keep the best livestock (vv. 20–23) revealed that partial obedience is, in God’s sight, disobedience. • Samuel’s rebuke—“To obey is better than sacrifice” (v. 22)—underscores that God values a surrendered will over religious activity. Jesus’ Words on Obedience: Same Voice, Same Standard • Love expresses itself by keeping commands: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Obedience brings abiding fellowship: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” (John 15:10) • Verbal allegiance without action is empty: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) • Only obedient builders stand when storms come (Luke 6:47-49). • Jesus Himself modeled perfect, costly obedience: “I always do what pleases Him.” (John 8:29) Connecting the Dots: One Unchanging Principle 1 Samuel 15:18 shows that God’s instructions are absolute, not suggestions. Jesus repeats and deepens this truth: • The same divine authority lies behind both Old Testament directives and Jesus’ commands. • Partial compliance (Saul) versus wholehearted surrender (Jesus) reveals the heart’s posture toward God. • True discipleship is measured by doing the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). • Sacrifices, rituals, and words cannot substitute for obedience; Jesus calls for hearing and doing (Matthew 7:24-25). Living It Out Today • Read Scripture with the intent to act, not merely to know. • Resist selective obedience—every command of Christ carries His authority. • Measure love for Jesus by yielded behavior, not emotion alone. • Trust that, like Jesus, our obedience—even when costly—pleases the Father and advances His kingdom. |
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