READING: 1 Samuel 9:1-12:25
Samuel committed himself to pray for the people of God—in fact, he said it would be sinful for him not to pray—and then he gave them this simple, but convicting word: “But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you. But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away” (1 Sam 12:24-25). Samuel would continue to teach them “what is good and right” (1 Sam 12:23), but it was up to them as to whether they would follow God. They would decide between obeying or disobeying Him.
God had done great things for them—great things that should keep them focused on Him and obedient to Him—but the possibilities of disobedience were equally real. Indeed, the real issue for the Hebrews would not be the press of external foes attacking them; it would be the anguish of internal sin causing defeat. Their disobedience would bring disaster for the nation and their king.
We are wise to remember this story today. Far too often, the greatest problem the church has is not the opposition from the outside. Instead, it’s our disobedience on the inside. As long as we choose to continue in our sin, we cannot expect God’s blessing.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are there any recurrent sins that remain in your life?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Lord, drive home to my heart the truth that disobedience to You brings only pain.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 9:35-39, 1 Samuel 13:1-23, 1 Samuel 14:1-52