Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft
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 KJV)
The prophet Samuel spoke the terrifying words above to King Saul after he disobeyed what God told him to do. The LORD had commanded Saul to attack the Amalekites and destroy every one of them including their animals. Saul heard God’s commands, went to war and spared the king of the Amalekites as well as the best of the sheep and cattle. In his mind, he wanted to use them to make a big sacrifice to God.
The LORD sent Samuel to deliver a message to Saul that obeying God’s words is far more important than all sacrifices put together. In fact, Samuel said rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. These are not words you will commonly find today on many pulpits because it will make everyone uncomfortable, including the one preaching it. Please note what is called rebellion in this verse. It is simply not doing what God has commanded us. Every time we know God’s word as Saul did and choose to do what we want, we are in rebellion. The Lord says it is as the sin of witchcraft to Him.
These are sobering words to keep in our hearts and perfect holiness in our lives is the fear of the LORD.
MEDITATE
Would you have considered disobedience to be as witchcraft in the sight of God? I certainly would not!
APPLY THE WORD
We live in perilous times where people would be lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God, and would have itchy ears to scramble for teachers to tell them what they want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3). The flesh is a snare. Remember, it’s what you want or not want that is the greatest enemy to God’s Spirit in your life, not what Satan wants. It is our hearts that become gross and no longer willing to hear things that we do not like or want though they are God’s words.
PRAY
Ask the Spirit to help preserve your heart from rebellion.
Read & Watch
Obedience is Better than Sacrifice
What was the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram?
The Spirit that now Worketh in the Children of Disobedience
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