The Heart of Lent: Obedience Over Sacrifice 1 Samuel 15:22
What if the sacrifices we proudly offer during Lent miss the point entirely? Lent, a 40-day journey of reflection and preparation leading to Easter, invites us to pause, examine our hearts, and draw closer to God. Many of us approach this season with a list of things to give up—chocolate, social media, caffeine—hoping these acts of self-denial will somehow earn us spiritual brownie points.
Yet, 1 Samuel 15:22 cuts through our assumptions with a piercing truth: God values obedience far above sacrifice. “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord’s commands? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’” This Lenten season, let’s unpack what this verse means for us and how it reframes our walk with God.
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The Lesson of 1 Samuel 15:22
Consider Jesus’s obedience in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting, He didn’t just endure hunger—He responded with Scripture and trust in God’s will.
Just as 1 Samuel 15:22 reveals God’s heart for obedience over ritual, Jesus, in His life and especially in His wilderness trials, demonstrated the perfect embodiment of this principle. 1 Samuel 15:22 states, “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord’s commands?
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’” He wasn’t just avoiding sin; He was actively choosing God’s will. For example, when tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread, Jesus didn’t rely on His own power, but quoted Deuteronomy, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’ This showed that He was putting the word of God above his own physical needs.
Lent mirrors this, inviting us to say “yes” to God even when it’s hard. Jesus’s entire life was a testament to perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). He teaches us that true obedience is rooted in love for the Father and a complete surrender to His will, a love so profound that it led Him to the cross.
Let us ask ourselves, is our love for God enough to follow his commands? What’s one sacrifice you’re making this Lent—does it draw you closer to Him, reflect a heart posture of obedience, or just check a religious box?”
Lent: A Season of Listening
If obedience is the goal, listening is the starting point. Lent offers a sacred pause in a world drowning in noise—notifications pinging, schedules demanding, and our thoughts racing. 1 Samuel 15:22 calls us to tune out this clamor and tune in to God’s voice. Scripture often describes this voice as gentle—a whisper, not a shout (1 Kings 19:12). It might come as a nudge to reconcile with a friend we’ve avoided, a prompting to rest when we’re addicted to busyness, or a conviction to release a grudge we’ve nursed too long.
How do we hear this whisper? We carve out intentional time for prayer, perhaps starting each day with a simple, “Lord, what do You want me to do today?” We dive into Scripture, letting verses like Psalm 46:10—“Be still, and know that I am God”—sink into our souls. We seek wise counsel from mentors or friends in faith, trusting the body of Christ to help us discern. Listening isn’t just passive waiting; it’s an active pursuit of God’s presence.
Obedience in Action: Living Out Our Faith
Obedience, though, demands more than ears—it requires feet. It’s one thing to hear God’s call; it’s another to follow it. During Lent, this might look like practical steps of faith. Maybe God asks you to surrender control over a situation you’ve gripped tightly—finances, a career move, a strained relationship. Perhaps it’s sacrificing your comfort by serving someone in need, like volunteering at a shelter instead of scrolling through your phone. These acts aren’t about earning God’s favor; they’re about living out the obedience He desires.
Obedience can also inspire creativity as an expression of faith. Consider using this Lenten season to channel your gifts toward God—write a poem reflecting on His mercy, paint a scene from the Passion, or compose a song of surrender. These creative acts aren’t mere hobbies; they’re offerings of obedience when guided by a heart seeking to honor Him. Imagine crafting a journal entry each day of Lent, not just to record thoughts but to dialogue with God, letting your words become a bridge to His will. Such creativity reflects the spirit of 1 Samuel 15:22, turning our talents into acts of worship that please God more than any ritual.
Jesus: The Perfect Example of Obedience
Consider Jesus’s obedience in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting, He didn’t just endure hunger—He responded with Scripture and trust in God’s will. Lent mirrors this, inviting us to say “yes” to God even when it’s hard. Jesus’s entire life was a testament to perfect obedience, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). He teaches us that true obedience is rooted in love for the Father and a complete surrender to His will. What’s one sacrifice you’re making this Lent—does it draw you closer to Him or just check a religious box?
Self-Examination During Lent: A Mirror for the Soul
Lent is a mirror for the soul. As we reflect on 1 Samuel 15:22, tough questions arise: Where am I withholding from God? Are there corners of my life—my time, my thoughts, my habits—where I’m choosing my will over His? Maybe it’s a pattern of disobedience I’ve excused: skipping prayer for “more important” tasks, harboring bitterness instead of forgiving, or chasing worldly success over eternal purpose.
True repentance, a cornerstone of Lent, goes beyond lip service. It’s a heart shift—a turning from our ways to God’s. Saul’s failure wasn’t just in sparing Agag; it was in refusing to own his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:20-21). This Lenten season, let’s be honest with ourselves and with God, asking His Spirit to reveal what needs to change.
True Transformation This Lent: More Than Just Rituals
So, what does this mean for our Lenten journey? It’s a call to move beyond superficial acts—giving up dessert or TV—and embrace the heart of obedience. Are your sacrifices reflecting a desire to obey God, or are they driven by obligation or appearances? Are you sacrificing time with Him, your family, or your well-being for things that won’t last—an extra hour at work, a social media rabbit hole, a fleeting pleasure?
This season is an opportunity to realign our lives with God’s will. Imagine emerging from Lent not just lighter from fasting but transformed by listening and obeying. Picture a renewed commitment to prayer, a restored relationship, a habit broken by God’s strength. It starts with small steps: sitting in silence today, asking, “Lord, what’s one act of obedience You’re calling me to?” Maybe it’s writing a letter of forgiveness, skipping a luxury to give to the poor, or simply resting in His presence.
Let’s make this Lent a season of true transformation. May we hear God’s voice amid the quiet, surrender our wills in the surrender, and walk in obedience that honors Him. Share your reflections below—what’s God stirring in your heart this Lent?
A Prayer for Lent
Lord, I come before You, praying that this Lent wouldn’t be about me—my efforts, my sacrifices—but about Your boundless love poured out through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Shift my heart, Father, to dwell on Your mercy and grace above all else. Thank You, Jesus, for laying down Your life for mine, redeeming me with Your precious blood. Teach me to rest in Your love, to surrender my pride, and to walk humbly in gratitude these 40 days. May Your Spirit guide me to reflect Your heart, glorifying You in every step.
In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.
Obedience Over Sacrifice: 1 Samuel 15:22 – Final Thoughts
At its heart, 1 Samuel 15:22 reminds us that Lent isn’t all about what we give up—it’s about who we’re becoming. God doesn’t need our grand sacrifices; He wants our willing hearts, attuned to His voice and ready to obey. As this season unfolds, I’m challenged to listen more closely and act more boldly, trusting that obedience opens the door to transformation. What about you? May this Lent be a turning point—not just a ritual but a renewal of our love for God and His will.
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I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message with your questions, or share your thoughts on my Obedience Over Sacrifice: 1 Samuel 15:22 article. I’m excited to connect, learn from you, and see how God weaves His beautiful plans through our shared journey. If you’re interested in exploring my full Lent series, “Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia,” you can dive into it here and follow along as we trace God’s grace from repentance to resurrection. I’m excited to connect, learn from you, and see how God weaves His beautiful plans through our shared journey.
In His Loving Name
Love, Creative Jesus Girl ♥
