1st.Samuel 12:16-25 "Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to day ? I will call unto the LORD, and HE shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a King. So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy GOD, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a King. 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. Moreover as for me, GOD forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: only fear the LORD, and serve HIM in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things HE hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your King."
Samuel was fervent in his concern for his brethren: "Moreover as for me, GOD forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you" (v.23a pictured at top of post). He interceded for those who were walking afar off, who were in desperate need of help from on HIGH. This faithful servant of the LORD had no trouble pinpointing the cause of Israel's current plight, for they had rejected his leadership as a divinely appointed judge and had requested a King to rule over them so they could be like the surrounding nations. They were now suffering the consequences of seeking their own will rather than submitting to GOD's will. It would have been easy for Samuel to have replied to their request for help with a smug "I told you so" (vv.16-19). However, he displayed a gracious attitude toward his "weaker brethren" -- an example we ought to emulate.
In a spirit of selflessness and genuine concern, Samuel desired GOD's best for Israel. Yes, they had failed the LORD, but HE still desired to accomplish much in and through them (v.22). The grand theme of this text is how the heartfelt, intercessory prayer of Samuel was instrumental in moving GOD to bring about the accomplishment of HIS desired will in others, even though they had done "all this wickedness" (v.20). Samuel encouraged the people of Israel to walk aright (vv.20-25). The supplications to put away sin, to turn not aside from doing GOD's will, and to "serve the LORD with all your heart" (v.20) should characterize our prayers for the spiritual wellbeing of others (Ephesians 6:18-20 pictured above; Philippians 1:3-9; Colossians 1:9-12 pictured above). Are we today performing this necessary ministry of intercessory prayer on behalf of fellow brothers and sisters in CHRIST ? DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
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