1 Samuel 12-14

March 25

1 Samuel 12-14

The Israelites came to Samuel after they realized their sin. They realized that by begging God to give them a king, they had rejected God as king. This sin was a part of a long line of sin. Israel had a habit of rebelling against God then running to Him when they got in trouble. But this time, the people came to Samuel and asked Samuel to pray for them. They wanted help.

Samuel told them not to be afraid but to serve God with all their heart. That is God’s desire. God wants us to turn to Him and to serve Him. Not out of obligation, but because of our love relationship with Him. Samuel does not tell them that they can continue to live as they have been and God will wink at it and ignore their rebellion. He tells them that if they persist in their sin, they will be wiped out.

Samuel advises Israel to turn back to God and to continue to serve Him. Not to turn away to the false gods, but to serve God alone. Then Samuel says; "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right." (1 Samuel 12:23, NIV)  Have you ever considered it a sin not to pray for someone? These are rebellious people who have rejected God. They have served the idols of the people around them. But Samuel saw it as obedience to God for him to pray for them and for their restoration as the people of God.

Are there people you need to be praying for today? Are there people who have rejected God and who need to know God has forgiven them to restore their relationship with God who need you to pray for them today and to teach them what is good and right? Perhaps God wants to use you as a Samuel today; do not sin against the Lord by failing to pray for someone today.