What can we learn about obedience from the servant's actions in this verse? Setting the Moment 1 Samuel 28:24: “The woman had a fattened calf at her house, so she quickly slaughtered it. She took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.” Though commonly called the “medium of Endor,” the woman refers to herself as Saul’s “maidservant” (v. 22). Her swift, hands-on service offers a snapshot of obedience worth unpacking. What the Servant Does Right • Prompt response – “she quickly slaughtered it.” No delay, no excuses. • Costly offering – a fattened calf represented her best livestock. Obedience willingly parts with the finest. • Complete follow-through – flour is kneaded, bread is baked, meat is prepared. Nothing is left half-done. • Practical care – the entire act centers on meeting immediate, physical needs. • Submission to authority – she recognizes Saul’s kingship even in his fallen state, calling herself his servant. Core Lessons on Obedience 1. Obedience moves without hesitation. – Compare Genesis 18:6: “Abraham hurried into the tent… ‘Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour.’” 2. Obedience sacrifices personal resources. – 2 Samuel 24:24: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 3. Obedience is thorough and practical. – Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” 4. Obedience respects God-ordained authority. – Romans 13:1: “There is no authority except from God.” 5. Obedience often serves quietly behind the scenes. – Matthew 6:4: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Supporting Scripture Snapshots • Judges 6:19 – Gideon “prepared a young goat and unleavened bread,” mirroring thorough, prompt service. • Luke 17:7-10 – Jesus’ parable of the servant coming in from the field underscores duty before comfort. • Philippians 2:5-8 – Christ’s own humility and obedience set the ultimate pattern: He “emptied Himself… becoming obedient to death.” Putting It into Practice – Respond promptly when the Lord nudges; procrastination dulls obedience. – Offer Him the “fattened calf” moments—time, talent, treasure that actually cost. – Finish assignments fully; half-obedience is disobedience in disguise. – Serve tangible needs around you; obedience is rarely abstract. – Honor leaders even when they falter, entrusting ultimate justice to God (1 Peter 2:17-23). The unnamed servant of 1 Samuel 28:24 reminds us that genuine obedience is quick, costly, thorough, and anchored in humble service. |
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