“And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.” (1 Samuel 12:20-22 KJV)
Have you ever considered the things, ideas, people, or organizations we put between ourselves and God?
The Old Testament people of God looked around and desired to be like other nations. Other nations had a king. They wanted one too! They didn’t realize, however, that they were putting a human king between themselves and God. Yes, they adamantly proclaimed that God was still their God, but they wanted to be led by a man like other nations.
Their Judge and Prophet expresses his concerns to them about the possible (should I say probable) results of placing a man between them and God. A man can lead you away from following God. A man can only offer you vain things that will neither benefit you nor deliver you from evil. To stop any of this from occurring God’s people must “serve the LORD with all your heart” and “turn not aside.”
Samuel implied that Israel’s choice to choose a human king was an abandonment of God as their King. Yet, God would not forsake them because of who He is (i.e., the True and Faithful). Despite their choice, He refused to abandon them because He chose them as his people.
Dear Father, thank you for choosing me. Grant that I and every reader will always proclaim you as LORD and never allow anyone/thing to replace your leadership. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in serving the Lord,