1 Samuel 15:22 To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
The divine currency to buy favour is ‘obedience’. God’s love for us does not change; our worst behaviour will not wear out His love nor our best deeds, increase His love. However, the ‘favour of God’ is reserved for the obedient. Only the currency of obedience in our divine bank account can purchase the product of heavenly favour. This is not obedience that is forced out of compulsion but the obedience that flows out of compassion. John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”. We can do the right things for the wrong reasons. We can serve, give and even pray for the wrong reasons but will not gain the heavenly currency to buy the favour of God. If our obedience is to gain reputation, regard and respect of men, then, we are trying to trade divine blessings with carnal currency. Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Love rules over legalism. ‘Favour’ is God’s reward for the obedient.
Daniel was an exile in Babylon, a pagan land filled with idolatry and sorcery but Daniel and his three friends took a stand not to defile himself with food served from the king’s table. Daniel’s obedience made him a man highly favoured by God.
Three important lessons from the life of Daniel. :
1. Bright: Daniel and his friends refused the luxurious and lavish food that was defiled and bewitched to breakdown the values, ideas and discipline of the young Jews. This charmed food was served to entice them to tap into the demonic realm of magic, enchantments and fantasy. Daniel 1:20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel and his friends refused to tap into the demonic for wisdom as he was hooked to the source of divine wisdom. Hence these young men were ten times wiser and brighter than the others. The currency to buy divine wisdom is obedience.
2. Best: Daniel, in addition to divine wisdom, was blessed with the gift of interpretation of dreams. His gift made him prominent and promoted him to high position. Daniel 2:48 Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. We don’t have to go after positions or perks. The currency to buy the best seats, prominent positions and promotions is obedience.
3. Bold: Daniel and his friends were bold to walk into the lion’s den and into the hot burning furnace as the favour of God surrounded them like a shield. Psalms 5:12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield. The ravenous lions became like timid pussy cats and the blazing fire was like a controlled cooler room as these young men were surrounded by a thick wall of ‘lion proof’ and ‘fire proof’ of divine protection around them. The currency to buy divine safety gear is obedience.
Godly obedience will enhance the deposit in our bank account with the ‘favour of God’. Obedience will increase the cash flow of God’s favour in our lives.
1 Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), And disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry..
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