The Consequences of Disobedience - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.
1 Samuel 15:22-23

The Consequences of Disobedience
God expects and delights in obedience. Disobedience always has sad consequences. This is especially noticeable in Scripture when God begins a new way of dealing with His own. He is Supreme and whatever authority men or even angels may have is delegated authority. The disobedience of Lucifer became manifest in his rebellion against God. His final destination is )—hell!

Saul was the first king God gave His people Israel. Taller than any of the people, handsome, and initially even modest, he was all that the people were looking for. At first he followed the directions given him. When a crisis arose, he led Israel to victory against the Ammonites. But when the Philistines invaded, he did not wait the full seven days he had been told to wait for Samuel to come to offer the sacrifice. He acted on his own and Samuel had to tell him his kingdom would not continue.

Yet God gave him victories over enemies on every side. Then God told him to fight against the Amalekites, destroy all they had and not spare any of their people. Instead he spared the best of their flocks and herds and brought their king back alive. When Samuel met him, he made excuses and blamed the people. Samuel then spoke to him the solemn words at the head of today's meditation.

Saul lost his kingdom. Disobedience brings tragic results. God is God; He is not to be trifled with. Obedience brings blessing!

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.