God had anointed Saul as king over Israel. But when Saul was given the mission to destroy the Amalekites, he failed to obey God. Saul did not kill Agag and he kept the plunder instead of destroying it. Saul insisted that he would offer these to God. This was pure arrogance, as if Saul knew what God wanted more than what God himself said he wanted. God does not delight in offerings as much as he delights in obeying him. Disobedience is rebellion, which is like the sin of divination.

Saul repeatedly rejected God’s word. As a result, God rejected him as king. Saul realized his sin and asked Samuel for forgiveness. He also begged Samuel to go with him to the people to honor him. He was more concerned with appearances than genuine repentance. Samuel went with Saul and put Agag to death. Afterwards, Samuel left for Ramah, and never saw Saul again. The LORD regretted that he had made Saul king.

Our obedience to the LORD is better than our sacrifices. Jesus said that the one who loves him is the one who obeys his teaching (Jn 14:23). There is a place for sacrifice but express your love for Jesus today by obeying his teaching.
Application: Father, thank you for your word. Please help me to obey you based on your word and to honor you ahead of my own ideas.
One Word: To obey is better than sacrifice