“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
(1 Samuel 15:23)
In a fallen world filled with countless distractions and temptations, it’s easy for God’s people to forget the importance of complete obedience to their Heavenly Father’s guidance and direction. So to remind us, Scripture recounts multiple stories of those who, in their pursuit of righteousness, chose to heed God’s commands fully. The level of commitment of those saints, prophets, apostles, and disciples remind us that it is not enough to partially follow God’s instructions or to pick and choose which aspects to obey. Instead, we must wholeheartedly embrace His guidance in every facet of our lives.
One such example of complete obedience can be found in the life of Josiah. He exemplified the principle of obedience by doing “that which was right in the sight of the Lord,” not turning aside “to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2). Josiah’s dedication to God’s Word was evident as he sought the Lord’s guidance with all his heart, soul, and might, choosing to follow the Law of Moses without compromise (2 Kings 23:25).
Scripture also provides many examples of inadequate, incomplete obedience. Consider King Saul who believed he had performed God’s command when he spared the best of the sheep and oxen after smiting the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15:23). However, Samuel confronted him, accusing him of disobedience and rebellion because he failed to fulfill the entirety of God’s directive. For as Jeremiah Burroughs notes, “God stands upon the little things in his worship.”[1]
As we meditate on the importance of complete obedience to God’s instructions and guidance, let us learn from those believers we read about in Scripture. Let us never be content with partial obedience but rather follow the examples of those like Josiah who chose to obey with an unwavering commitment. And in doing so, we honor our Father’s wisdom, acknowledge His sovereignty, and demonstrate our respect for the authorities He has placed over us.
Contemplations:
- Humble Submission to Divine Wisdom. In a world filled with endless distractions and temptations, I’m reminded of the importance of humbly submitting to God’s wisdom. Just as Josiah turned to the Lord with all his heart, soul, and might, following God’s Law without compromise, I want to obey God in all aspects of my life, recognizing His infinite wisdom in His commands.
- Respect for God-Given Authority. I am to comply with the authorities God has placed over me rather than pick and choose which commands to obey based on my preferences. I will acknowledge and honor their guidance and show respect for their positions of authority established by God.
- The Consequences of Inadequate Obedience. The narrative of Saul in 1 Samuel 15 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate obedience. Even when we believe we have fulfilled God’s commands, neglecting any aspect of His directives can lead to disobedience and rebellion in His eyes. For this reason I must pursue complete obedience to avoid falling into the same trap as Saul.
- Embracing Divine Guidance Wholeheartedly. As I consider the importance of complete obedience, I am inspired to follow God’s guidance wholeheartedly. For I know that by trusting His wisdom in every aspect of His every command, I can experience the fullness of His blessings and draw closer to Him in obedience.
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord my God, You who speak with perfect wisdom and command with perfect authority, I bow before You as a child who longs to obey yet struggles with the stubbornness of my own heart. You have spoken clearly in Your Word, and You have given me the perfect example of obedience in Your beloved Son. But I confess that too often I follow You with half-heartedness. I ask You now to change me by Your Spirit.
Teach me to tremble at Your Word. Let me not treat lightly the commands You have given. Let me not be like Saul, who thought partial obedience was enough, and who justified his disobedience with excuses and appearances. Lord, I do not want to be rejected for holding loosely to what You have spoken. Plant in me a deep desire to walk in all Your ways with reverence and integrity.
Help me trust not only in Your promises but also in Your precepts. Let me not cherry-pick what is convenient to obey but rather submit to the whole counsel of Your will. Give me grace to obey in the small things as well as the great. Where I am ignorant, teach me. Where I am weak, strengthen me. Where I am stubborn, break me. May I not rebel like the fool who presumes upon Your patience.
Father, shape my heart after Josiah’s example. Give me a spirit that does not turn to the right hand or to the left but walks steadfastly in the path You have set. Make me quick to repent when I have veered from Your commands. Make me eager to follow wherever You lead, even when it costs, even when it’s hard, and even when I don’t understand.
I ask also for Your Spirit’s help in respecting and honoring the leaders and authorities You have placed in my life, especially within Your Church. Give me discernment to recognize faithful shepherds and a spirit of humility to receive instruction. Keep me from prideful resistance and remind me that by submitting to the authorities You have appointed, I am ultimately submitting to You.
Lord, I know that complete obedience is not the cause of my salvation but the fruit of it. You have redeemed me by the blood of the Lamb; now let my life bear witness to that redemption through joyful obedience. Write Your law upon my heart. Conform me to the image of Christ who always did the will of His Father. Keep me near Your Word. Make me quick to listen, slow to speak, and ready to obey.
I long to hear, on that day, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Until then, keep me faithful, keep me watchful, and make me wholly Yours.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for 1 Sam. 15:23:
Deut. 18:10; 1 Sam. 13:14; Ezek. 2:5; Psalm 107:11.
[1] Jeremiah Burroughs, Gospel Worship (Crossville, TN: Puritan Publications, 2014) second sermon, eBook.
