Murderous Sacrifice

After doing battle with the Amalekites, Saul is confronted by Samuel….who tells him, the Lord is removing his hand from his kingship….since he rejected the word of the Lord, and didn’t destroy every living thing….he kept the best of the sheep and cattle and kept the king of the Amalekites alive.

Saul’s weak argument was they would make sacrifices with the best of the plunder to which Samuel answered;
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? 


As a parent, I would much rather have an obedient child than I would a repentant (or ‘sorry’) child.

God gives specific instructions for his glory…the need for sacrifice is reserved for times when we fall short.

At some point the offerings (like the “I’m sorry’s”) become not only meaningless, but detestable….

In Isaiah 1:13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your evil assemblies. 14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood;

21 See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her—but now murderers!

Isaiah points out that sacrifice without repentance is murder! Now place Christ on that cross, and think about the times we have used that forgiveness without being repentant!

WOE TO US! MURDERERS.