In the first 2 parts we learnt to get real and examine why we do what we are doing for the Lord? and what is our view of the Lord? As this affects our depth of relationships, and relationship can only be evaluated on LOVE. And the evaluation of are we are good listeners and hearers of God and others around us? For everything given to us by God, He has resource and provision for it to be accomplished. Hallelujah, let’s continue.
Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship.1 Samuel 15:22 (Message Translation)
Years ago, the Lord led me to this interesting verse below in Proverbs, that applies well to understanding the above verse, the part of Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult.
Proverbs 24:12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not repay everyone according to what they have done?
Did you see it there? If we KNOW then we have responsibility. If we say we KNOW God and His ways then we are responsible. YET, if we don’t know then we cannot be held to account on it, by either man or God. For those who say we did NOT KNOW. As there is only ONE who can judge this freely, and that ONE is God. He only knows and sees all, and measures with the only meter that reads true, He measures the HEART of each person.
Ok carrying on the next words read Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. This is another interesting saying and statement.
It seems that Samuel was prophesying of a future event when Saul would try and do a deal with a dead ancestor (himself read this in 1 Samuel 28) YET at the same time expose the reason why he would do it, this the part of self-importance around God.
The trying to be someone you’re not, does not please God. Also this is the same for those around us when we’re not being ourselves.
And anything self-driven will need self-provision and self movement, as a shelf life and expiration date as it cannot be sustainable long term. Yes, you may look like the boss today but this position can be gone tomorrow, and you might be the centre of the party today, but it will cost you tomorrow.
This self-importance, image was in the mind and heart of Saul, and guess what it so easily can be in us! I love this saying that came from an incredible pastor of our nation (Bev Mortlock ) in a conference I attended she addressed, I DON’T CARE!
Now what she meant by the this saying was that she will help, care, provide and minister to anyone and everyone yes, but at the end of the day she fears God before you. This way of living keeps her centred and protected by God, in all she does and is invited to do.
I FEAR GOD MORE than you/ or anyone! I believe this needs to be written on everyone leaders, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers and every Christ follower, bible or journal produced. For the enemy over the years has helped countless leaders, kings, everyday ones be full and fall the same way Saul did.
Let’s pause here and next time pick up the final part of this incredible scripture.
Challenge time: Grab your journal and record the answers the Lord gives and shows you.
- Ask God to help you be naked in His eyes and reveal all the self that you are relying, depending, hiding and seeking provision from.
- Ask the Lord to BECOME TRUTH and a REALITY in you, through you and with you! At home, in family, in business, in the community, in the market place and in all you meet. Then ask Him to reveal all self-protection, self-provision, self-driven, tricks, blocks and stops that are preventing you from living free as a God depending, God protected and God driven BELOVED and CHOSEN Son and Daughter.
- Write down all the meanings of FEAR, (we are called to FEAR the Lord) so you get the weight and glory of that truth you are declaring as His child and share it with others. Let’s have a nation who says no matter what happens to me, where I am, I declare I FEAR GOD more than you, I LIVE for HIM.
Let’s pray
Father, we ask You would you align our heart and mind to the truth of who You are, so we can say and declare with confidence and steadfastness, I FEAR GOD MORE than you to anyone we come across and remain faithful and joyful in each day. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Craig Patten
Itinerate Pastor / Prophet
Encounter Ministries
