The Open Heaven 20 June 2026 devotional for today is OBEY HIM.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 20 JUNE 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: OBEY HIM
MEMORISE:
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.
1 Samuel 15:22
READ: Genesis 22:1-3, Matthew 2:13-14
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
13 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.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 20 JUNE 2026 TODAY MESSAGE
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.
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. Even though God instructed him to do something difficult, he must have decided to obey promptly and not ponder over it.
As a result of his obedience, God swore by Himself to bless him and his seed forever (Hebrews 6:13-14). 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). If he had lingered, Herod’s soldiers could have caught up with them. Prompt obedience always leads to preservation and attracts God’s blessings.
When God gives you an instruction, He wants you to obey it promptly. Don’t query Him; just obey the instruction. In addition to promptly obeying His instructions, God also wants you to obey Him willingly. In Isaiah 1:12, He said, ‘If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” Lastly, God expects you to obey Him completely.
Some Christians believe they can selectively choose which of God’s instructions to obey and which to disregard. However, when it comes to following God, there is no such thing as partial obedience; you either go all the way with Him or do not go at all. Saul made this mistake when God instructed him to utterly destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-3). Instead of obeying God’s express command to destroy everyone and everything they owned, he spared the king and the best sheep, oxen, and lambs. Saul’s partial obedience displeased God and led to his rejection (1 Samuel 15:26).
This is because partial obedience equals disobedience in God’s sight. God will never be pleased with less than total obedience. Prompt and wholehearted obedience is always worth more than sacrifices made to Him (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Beloved, has God given you instructions concerning any matter? Ask Him for the grace to obey them promptly, willingly, and completely. I pray that the Lord will turn every stony, disobedient heart to a heart of obedience, in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to always obey your instructions willingly, promptly, and wholeheartedly.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 81-88
Open Heavens HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
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). If he had lingered, Herod’s soldiers could have caught up with them.”
Consider the command:
- Leave immediately
- Take the child and mother
- Flee to Egypt
- Stay there until further notice
| If Joseph Had Delayed | The Consequence |
|---|---|
| “Let me wait until morning” | Herod’s soldiers would have arrived by dawn |
| “Let me pack properly first” | Every hour increased the risk of discovery |
| “Let me tell my neighbors goodbye” | The Messiah could have been killed |
| “Let me pray about it more” | Delay would have cost Jesus’ life |
“Prompt obedience always leads to preservation and attracts God’s blessings.”
Joseph obeyed by night. He did not wait for daylight, favorable weather, or emotional readiness. He heard, rose, and left. That is prompt obedience.
2. The Principle of Preservation
| Character | Command | Result of Prompt Obedience |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham | Sacrifice Isaac | Isaac preserved, covenant established |
| Joseph | Flee to Egypt | Jesus preserved, Herod’s plot failed |
| Noah | Build the ark | Family preserved from the flood |
| Peter | Come to Me on water | Walked on water until faith wavered |
Delayed obedience would have meant:
- Abraham sacrificing Isaac but missing the ram in the thicket
- Joseph lingering and Herod finding Jesus
- Noah finishing the ark after the flood started
- Peter sinking before he even stepped out
The Three Characteristics of Acceptable Obedience
Daddy Adeboye identifies three qualities of obedience that please God:
1. Prompt Obedience
“When God gives you an instruction, He wants you to obey it promptly. Don’t query Him; just obey the instruction.”
| Rather Than… | Do This… |
|---|---|
| “Why me, Lord?” | “Here I am, Lord” |
| “Can I wait until…” | “I will obey now” |
| “What if something goes wrong?” | “Trusting You with the outcome” |
| “Let me pray about it more” | “Praying while I obey” |
“Don’t query Him; just obey the instruction.”
This is difficult for analytical minds. We want to understand, to rationalize, to evaluate. But God’s instructions do not always come with explanations. Sometimes He says, “Go” without telling you where. “Give” without telling you why. “Stop” without telling you the danger. Your job is not to understand; your job is to obey.
2. Willing Obedience
“In addition to promptly obeying His instructions, God also wants you to obey Him willingly.”
Isaiah 1:19 – “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”
| Willing Obedience | Reluctant Obedience |
|---|---|
| “I want to obey You, Lord” | “I guess I have to obey” |
| Joyful, cheerful, eager | Grumbling, complaining, resentful |
| Opens the door to God’s best | Misses the “good of the land” |
| Done from love | Done from fear or obligation |
God does not want robotic compliance. He wants children who are willing—whose hearts align with His commands, who obey not just with their hands but with their attitudes.
3. Complete Obedience
“Lastly, God expects you to obey Him completely.”
| Partial Obedience | Complete Obedience |
|---|---|
| Does half of what God said | Does all of what God said |
| Keeps the convenient commands | Obeys even the inconvenient ones |
| Stops when it becomes costly | Presses through to the end |
| Spares the “king” and the “best sheep” | Destroys everything God commands |
“Some Christians believe they can selectively choose which of God’s instructions to obey and which to disregard. However, when it comes to following God, there is no such thing as partial obedience; you either go all the way with Him or do not go at all.”
This is a hard truth. You cannot obey God in tithing while disobeying Him in forgiveness. You cannot worship on Sunday while cheating on Monday. You cannot pray for revival while living in secret sin. God wants all of you, not just the convenient parts.
The Warning of King Saul: Partial Obedience = Disobedience
Daddy Adeboye uses Saul as the ultimate warning:
1. The Command (1 Samuel 15:1-3)
God commanded Saul:
- Go and attack the Amalekites
- Utterly destroy everything: men, women, children, infants, cattle, sheep, camels, donkeys
- Spare nothing
Clear. Specific. Total.
2. The Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:9)
“Instead of obeying God’s express command to destroy everyone and everything they owned, he spared the king and the best sheep, oxen, and lambs.”
| What God Said | What Saul Did |
|---|---|
| Destroy everything | Destroyed worthless things, kept the best |
| Kill the king | Spared King Agag |
| No exceptions | Made exceptions for “good” animals |
Saul’s rationalization: “I kept the best to sacrifice to the Lord.”
3. The Rejection (1 Samuel 15:26)
“Saul’s partial obedience displeased God and led to his rejection. This is because partial obedience equals disobedience in God’s sight.”
| Saul’s Argument | God’s Verdict |
|---|---|
| “I did most of what You said” | “You did not do all I said” |
| “I kept the animals for sacrifice” | “Obedience is better than sacrifice” |
| “Surely God will understand” | “God rejects you as king” |
“God will never be pleased with less than total obedience.”
This is the final, sobering truth. You can do 90% of what God says and still be 100% disobedient if the 10% you omitted was part of His command. God does not grade on a curve. He does not accept partial credit. He wants total obedience.
How to Obey Promptly, Willingly, and Completely (Practical Steps)
Based on Daddy Adeboye’s teaching, here is how to cultivate a heart of obedience:
1. Stop Negotiating with God
| Instead of… | Say… |
|---|---|
| “But Lord, that doesn’t make sense” | “I trust You, Lord. I will obey.” |
| “Can we talk about this?” | “Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.” |
| “Let me wait for confirmation” | “I have heard You. I will act now.” |
2. Obey Before You Understand
Abraham did not understand why God would command the sacrifice of Isaac. Joseph did not understand why God would send the Messiah to Egypt. They obeyed anyway. Understanding often comes after obedience, not before.
3. Check Your Attitude
Are you obeying grudgingly or cheerfully? If your obedience is willing, you will not complain about the cost. If you are reluctant, ask God to change your heart before you change your actions.
4. Don’t Spare the “King” or the “Best Sheep”
Identify what you are holding back from God:
- The one sin you will not surrender
- The one relationship you will not release
- The one possession you will not give
- The one comfort you will not sacrifice
That is your “King Agag.” That is your “best sheep.” Kill it. Do not spare it for sacrifice.
5. Ask for Grace to Obey
“Ask Him for the grace to obey them promptly, willingly, and completely.”
Obedience is not accomplished by willpower alone. It requires grace. Pray daily: “Lord, give me the grace to obey You today—promptly, willingly, and completely.”
Warning: Partial Obedience Is a Trap
Daddy Adeboye’s devotional carries an urgent warning: many Christians are living in the deception of partial obedience.
| They Obey in… | But Disobey in… |
|---|---|
| Church attendance | Secret sin |
| Tithing | Forgiveness |
| Prayer | Treatment of family |
| Bible reading | Integrity in business |
| Worship | Obedience to specific instructions |
Partial obedience feels safe. It keeps you in the church while allowing you to keep your pet sins. But God sees the spared king. He sees the best sheep you kept for yourself. And His verdict is the same as with Saul: disobedience.
Conclusion: Your Prayer for a Heart of Obedience
Daddy Adeboye closes with a prayer that the Lord will turn every stony, disobedient heart to a heart of obedience. Do not let your heart be stony. Do not delay. Do not negotiate. Do not spare. Obey now.
Pray this:
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I have delayed obedience. I have told myself that waiting is not the same as disobeying. I have negotiated with You, questioned You, and rationalized my partial obedience. Forgive me. Today, I repent of every delayed, reluctant, and partial obedience. I ask for the grace to obey You promptly—immediately, without delay. I ask for the grace to obey You willingly—joyfully, without grumbling. I ask for the grace to obey You completely—holding nothing back, sparing nothing that You have commanded to be destroyed. I do not want to be a Saul, rejected because I kept the best for myself. I want to be an Abraham, who rose early and obeyed. I want to be a Joseph, who fled by night without lingering. Turn my stony heart into a heart of obedience. In Jesus’ mighty name.”
Action Steps:
- The Obedience Audit: Write down any instruction from God that you have delayed obeying. Put a date next to it: when did He speak? How long have you delayed? Then commit to obeying that instruction within 24 hours.
- The “King Agag” Identification: Ask the Holy Spirit: What am I sparing? What “best sheep” am I keeping for myself while pretending to obey You in other areas? Identify it. Kill it. Do not bring it as a sacrifice.
- The 24-Hour Prompt Obedience Challenge: For the next 24 hours, commit to obeying God instantly on every instruction—no matter how small. If He says “call that person,” call immediately. If He says “give that amount,” give immediately. Watch how your spiritual life transforms.
“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.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
Delay is disguised disobedience. Partial obedience is full disobedience. Obey promptly. Obey willingly. Obey completely. Do not spare the king. Do not keep the best sheep. Obey now.
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