MFM Devotional 10 April 2026 – When Sacrifice Becomes An Abomination

Biblical Context

The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel’s journey from a loose collection of tribes ruled by judges to a united monarchy under kings. While traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, it’s more likely that the book was compiled from various historical records and prophetic accounts after Samuel’s time. It covers a crucial period in Israelite history, roughly from the birth of Samuel to near the end of David’s reign. The specific chapter we’re looking at, 1 Samuel 13, takes place early in King Saul’s reign, when he was just two years into his kingship. This part of the narrative sets up the conflict with the Philistines and, more importantly, highlights Saul’s first major act of disobedience, which changed the course of his life and Israel’s future leadership. It’s about God making a clear statement on what He expects from His chosen leaders, even when things are really hard.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word Abomination. In the Hebrew language, the main word used for abomination is תּוֹעֵבָה (pronounced *to’evah*). This word means something disgusting, detestable, or an offense. It describes something that causes deep revulsion, something utterly unacceptable in God’s sight. It isn’t just a minor wrong; it’s something God truly hates. This word often shows up when talking about idolatry, immoral practices, or anything that goes against God’s holy nature and character. When the Bible calls something a ‘to’evah,’ it’s a serious declaration that God won’t stand for it.

When Sacrifice Becomes An Abomination

Listen, it’s getting more and more important to tell people who follow Jesus that if you want to serve God in any way these days, you’ve got to do it without any dirt, spots, blemishes, sin, or wrong in your life. Our God is completely holy, and He wants us to be completely holy too if we’re going to serve Him. If we’re not, then all our hard work, everything we try to do for Him, will turn into something He hates. The Bible says it clear in 1 Corinthians 3:13: “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” This means every bit of work you do will be shown for what it really is, tested by fire. So, what kind of work are you putting in?

What we offer God—our sacrifices—it’s all part of the work we do for His Kingdom. Think about King Saul, Israel’s first king. He found himself in a really tough spot. Prophet Samuel, who was supposed to come and offer sacrifices, didn’t show up when he said he would. The Philistine army was gathering strength, and Saul’s own Israeli soldiers were starting to run away, leaving the battlefield. Saul felt anxious; he just couldn’t trust God to handle it. So, he took matters into his own hands. According to 1 Samuel 13:9, Saul said, “Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.”

This wasn’t his job. God had made it clear that only divinely appointed priests were allowed to offer sacrifices. Saul acted out of fear and in direct disobedience to God’s instruction. As soon as he finished, guess who showed up? Samuel. 1 Samuel 13:10 tells us, “And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.”

Samuel asked him point-blank, “What hast thou done?” (1 Samuel 13:11). Saul tried to explain, saying, “Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.” (1 Samuel 13:11-12). He thought he had a good reason – fear and pressure.

But Samuel’s response was sharp and final: “Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.” (1 Samuel 13:13). Because of this one act of disobedience, Saul lost everything. Samuel then told him, “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.” (1 Samuel 13:14). Saul’s sacrifice, born out of disobedience, became an abomination in God’s eyes.

Our memory verse tells us something really important: Proverbs 15:8a – “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.” So, who are these “wicked” people? It’s anyone still living in sin, acting like one thing but being another (hypocrisy), not caring about God, rebelling against Him, disobeying His instructions, or just living with any kind of wrong. If you’re doing these things, then *any* sacrifice you bring before the Lord—your prayers, your fasting, your worship, your tithes and offerings, your efforts in evangelism, planting seeds, charitable acts, any kind of Christian service—it will all be seen as an abomination.

When your sacrifice turns into an abomination, God won’t accept it. You won’t get any reward or blessing. Instead, if you’re bringing such a sacrifice while living in sin, it’s like you’re making fun of God, and that can bring serious trouble from Him. So, friend, think about it: what kind of follower of Jesus are you? Are you living right, staying holy, and living with a healthy respect for God? If you’re not, then every single thing you offer, every good intention, it’s all an abomination to Him. Don’t wait. You need to turn away from that now, repent, and seek His true path.