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.
Methods are specific techniques or procedures used to collect and analyze data. Methodology on the other hand is the overall strategy, rationale, and theoretical framework that guides the choices and the use of the methods. God’s methodology of elevation starts with simple tests of obedience. The test of obedience is the door for promotion.
God’s overall governing plan or methodology of redemption for humanity is to help, heal and honour. However, He might use different methods in the restoration process.
The discipline of obedience to simple instructions is the prerequisite to accomplish much in life. When God says “Go”, we must be willing to go, when He says “stop”, we must stop without grouching and when He says, “zip your lip”, we must learn to bite our tongue and stop talking. Many blessings are stopped by our own insensitivity to the voice and the direction of the Lord.
King Saul was rejected because of his repeated and selective obedience. When Saul was under pressure, he disobeyed God’s directives (1 Samuel 13). Again, the Lord instructed Saul to attack the Amalekites yet, did not follow through the instructions but spared the Amalekite King Agag and the best of the animals, claiming the livestock was for sacrifice (1 Samuel 15). Saul lost the favour of God because of his stubborn and selective obedience that suited his convenience. To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22b).
Conversely, Jesus instructed ten lepers to go and present themselves to the priest. They were still lepers while they made their way to the temple yet, their obedience healed them. And as they went, they were cleansed (Luke 17:14b).
Obedience & Favour:
- Selective: Selective obedience is like cheating on God. God cannot be mocked. Selective obedience is disobedience.
- Stubborn: Stubborn disobedience is arrogance that destroys the destiny.
- Simple: Simple and implicit obedience obtains the favour of God. Logical reasoning or intelligent reasoning will deter obedience.
Obedience to God’s commandments pleases God.
Prayer: Father God, I surrender to listen to your voice and obey your instructions and commandments. Amen.
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