SUNDAY February 15, 2026
Obedience
Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
Hebrews 10:8-9
Understand, sin separates us from God. According to the Levitical law established in Leviticus 1, animal sacrifices were instituted as soon as the tabernacle in the wilderness was completed, and Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests (Exodus 29:38-39; Exodus 40:12-15). Sacrifices were to be made continuously by the established priesthood for the sins of the people. However, God had no pleasure in these sacrifices because they only foreshadowed a greater sacrifice––Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross for our sins.
Jesus Christ was obedient to the will of His Father. The Bible tells us: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8). His obedience made it possible to atone for our sin. His shed blood also established the new covenant. This perfect sacrifice satisfied the Father, making His grace, love, mercy and forgiveness available to us. This is so beautiful.
Notice, God had no delight or pleasure in burnt sacrifices. Why? Sacrifices made according to the law could never please God; they were not sufficient. Only Christ, by the sacrifice of Himself in obedience to the Father’s will, was sufficient to please Him. Obedience was key.
Interestingly, in a different situation, a similar principle was given to the rebellious King Saul by the prophet Samuel: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
The evidence of a true worshiper of God is obedience.
Obedience to God is the most infallible evidence of sincere and supreme love to him.
~Nathanael Emmons~
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