Ritual Over Obedience

As you seek to follow the Lord day by day, remember that it is done through trusting obedience to his revealed word.   ~~~   We need a king who trusts the word: OVER RITUALISTIC CEREMONY 1 Samuel 13:12 tells us that Saul offered the burnt offering, and he says one of the reasons as to why he did this, even though Samuel told him to wait, was, “‘I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” So get this clear. Saul knew what the command was. He knew he was to wait for seven days on Samuel, but when Samuel didn’t come according to Saul’s convenience, then Saul thought it necessary to offer the sacrifice himself in order to secure the LORD’s favor. Catch that—Saul believed that going about the LORD’s work, but not in the LORD’s way, not according to the LORD’s word, would secure the LORD’s favor. Saul thought that the way the sacrifice was done didn’t matter at all, so long as it was done. What is that? That is a belief in ritualistic ceremony. That is Saul attempting to secure God’s favor and do God’s work, but according to Saul’s ways and authority. Listen Christian, listen up church, we risk the same consequences today when we try to adapt our worship, and our ways to satisfy ourselves, even though they go against God’s clear word, and still expect God’s blessing because, “God knows my heart.” Yes, he knows your heart. Your heart is obviously far from wanting to serve and obey His word. Your heart is telling you that your authority is greater than His word. Your heart is telling you that any old way will do, when God’s word clearly says something different. Do you think God will bless a marriage just because the ceremony took place in a church, when in reality you have no intention of being a biblical wife or husband? Do you think God will bless our church just because we have a worship service, even if we soften up the word of God? All of this, and much more, Samuel would say to us, “You have done foolishly!” So as you seek to follow the Lord day by day, remember that it is done through trusting obedience to his revealed word.