Message from Scripture: 9/17/2020

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Sam. 12:24; “Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”

This passage of Scripture in context is what Samuel said to the people of Israel when they asked him for a king. Samuel wants to reassure them God had not abandoned them, but that He was not someone to ignore or treat lightly. To keep from perpetuating their sins, he offers them advice on how to live for God.

First, Samuel said they needed to consider “what great things” God had done for them. He had delivered them from Egypt, and blessed them during all their days in the promised land. Remembering who God is, and all He does for us, is a strong motivation in keeping Him close beside us as we go through life. As David reminds us, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits (Psa. 103:2).

They also needed to consider the appropriate response that God deserved, that they should desire to offer. Samuel tells them to avoid sin they should fear the Lord and serve Him. Knowing God should promote a reverence and godly fear in them, which should motivate them to serve Him in truth, not the empty rituals of a sinful heart. They should be faithful in keeping His commandments from all that is in them. Jesus said something similar during His earthly ministry; “If you love Me you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). A right attitude about God will produce the right lifestyle.

Today, we have a sin problem just like those Israelites of years gone by. Samuel’s words still hearken to us across the ages. May we consider what great things God has done for us, that we will fear Him in love, and serve Him in truth with all of who we are. He deserves nothing less. Let this be our goal today, lovingly, faithfully, giving ourselves to Him. What rich blessings will follow. Have a great day today. God bless.

Robert