Scripture:
1 Samuel 12:18-25 ESV
[18] So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. [19] And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” [20] And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. [21] And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. [22] For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. [23] Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. [24] Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. [25] But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
Observation:
Saul had been anointed king over Israel, had stepped into his position, and gained a victory for them. Things were looking good. But Samuel had something he needed to say. Of course, it was from the LORD and would have evidence of that. Telling the people exactly what had happened at this point and being completely honest. They had rejected having GOD HIMSELF as King and needed someone they could see. Samuel gave them what they had asked for according to the LORD’s instructions. Going through the whole process of casting lots Saul was now king. However, once the people saw that GOD was more than enough, to begin with, Samuel called on the name of the LORD to show them that. They couldn’t help but see their sin. They did not trust GOD. Their eyes were on the man in front of them. That’s where the scripture picks up. Once they knew that they had sinned they seemed to do the right thing. Asking Samuel to pray and ask for GOD to forgive them. They saw the pile of sin getting bigger and bigger. Samuel saw it as well and had some instructions for them. Don’t be afraid. However, stop turning away. Follow the LORD. As long as you and this man…who is now your king do that. You have nothing to worry about. Have a reverent fear of GOD. Turn away from evil, and serve HIM with ALL your heart. Samuel had not given up he knew he was going to have to seek the LORD in prayer and continue to instruct the people on the right way. If they listened. They and the king of course. Things would go well. But if not there was still a price to pay.
Application:
Have you ever asked for something from GOD and gotten it only to find out…wow that’s not at all what I wanted. Then to find out what you had asked for was honestly sinful and the exact opposite of what GOD wanted for you to begin with. Listen I believe that GOD wants us to have our hearts desire. If not HE would not have made sure those verses were in HIS word. HE does, HE wants you to have what your heart desires…HE just wants that heart and its desire to line up with HIS desire for you as well. HE will not lead you in the wrong direction. How often have we looked to a man for direction when GOD is more than enough? Now I’m not saying not to seek godly counsel. Don’t get me wrong. If that counsel does not line up with GOD’s word…in my opinion GOD’s word comes first. I’m getting off track here. My point is this when your heart is in line with the word of GOD. What you truly desire will be HIS will for your life. That’s where I’m at in life. Now that being said. When you truly want GOD’s will for your life. You have to understand it may require a lot of trust…and sitting still…knowing that HE will not lead you to the sea without a highway already on the map. I understand trusting GOD is not easy, and most always will lead you to a spot where you can’t see the road in front of you. You just have to know that HE is fighting for you. You may not be able to see it but it’s true. Listen for the still small voice. HE has you right where HE wants you. Line your heart with HIS even if it’s hard…you will see miracles.
Prayer:
Father, we trust you. Even when we can’t see what you are doing. I just want to pray that you would line our hearts up with yours. Father, help us to see your desire for us and chase after that. We want your will for us. Man will almost always lead us in the wrong direction. But you never will. Show us the truth in YOUR word. We want to chase after your desire for us, not ours you know what is best for us. We surrender to that. Your plan is good and means us no harm. You are looking at our future and the hope that is set ahead in Jesus Christ. Your great love has shown us that. We surrender…we want what you want for us…just show us what the next step is. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.