Post by Oluwatosin Oni (@oloriireoni)

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 20 JUNE 2026 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: 1 Samuel 15:22
“And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams.”

This verse is the divine verdict on the priority of obedience. Daddy Adeboye anchors today’s devotional on this text because it corrects a dangerous assumption: that religious activity, offerings, or sacrifices can compensate for disobedience. Samuel’s question is devastating: Does God delight in your sacrifices as much as He delights in your simple obedience? The answer is no. Obedience is better than sacrifice. You can give millions, sing beautifully, preach powerfully, and serve tirelessly—but if you are disobedient, all of it is worthless in God’s sight. Sacrifice without obedience is not worship; it is bribery attempted on the Creator.

BIBLE READING: Genesis 22:1-3, Matthew 2:13-14
Genesis 22:1-3 – “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.”

Matthew 2:13-14 – “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.”

These two passages showcase the crisis of obedience. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his promised son Isaac—the child of the covenant. Joseph was asked to flee his homeland in the middle of the night to protect Jesus from a murderous king. Both commands were difficult, costly, and seemingly disruptive. Both were obeyed promptly. And both resulted in divine preservation and blessing.

The Danger of Delayed Obedience
1. Delay Is Disguised Disobedience
“Sometimes, God gives instructions that appear to be very difficult to obey, and because of that, some Christians delay obeying them for long periods. There is, however, little difference, if any, between delaying obedience to God’s instructions and outright disobedience.”

This is a crucial truth. Many Christians comfort themselves by saying, “I haven’t disobeyed; I’m just waiting for the right time.” But Daddy Adeboye warns:

Delayed Obedience Outright Disobedience
“I will do it eventually” “I will not do it at all”
Still not done what God said Has not done what God said
God’s timing is ignored God’s command is ignored
Both miss God’s intended moment Both miss God’s intended moment
The difference is minimal. God’s instructions come with timing. When He says “now,” waiting until “later” is disobedience, even if you eventually do the thing. The blessing is attached not just to the act but to the timing of the act.

2. Abraham’s Prompt Obedience
*”When God asked Abraham to offer Isaac to Him as a sacrifice in Genesis 22:1-3, I imagine that he did not discuss the matter with his wife. He probably thought that discussing God’s instruction with Sarah would cause delays, and he wouldn’t be able to carry it out.”*

Notice Abraham’s speed:

Abraham’s Actions Timeframe
God spoke The very next morning
Rose up early Before dawn
Saddled his donkey Immediately
Took Isaac and wood Without hesitation
Went to the place Without debate
“Even though God instructed him to do something difficult, he must have decided to obey promptly and not ponder over it.”

Abraham did not:

Argue with God (“But this is my only son!”)
Consult with Sarah (“Let me get a second opinion”)
Delay to see if circumstances changed (“Maybe God will change His mind”)
Negotiate for an alternative (“Can I offer a ram instead?”)
He simply obeyed. Promptly. Completely.

*”As a result of his obedience, God swore by Himself to bless him and his seed forever (Hebrews 6:13-14).”*

Hebrews 6:13-14 – “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.”

God did not swear to bless Abraham because of his sacrifices or his prayers. He swore because of his obedience. Prompt obedience unlocks oaths of blessing from heaven.

Joseph’s Night Flight: The Cost of Lingering
1. The Angel’s Warning (Matthew 2:13)
“In the same vein, Joseph didn’t linger when an angel told him in a dream to flee to Egypt with Jesus and his mother (Matthew 2:13).....
https://rccglive.com/open-heaven-20-june/

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