Do Not Forsake the KING.
He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.
Psalm 111:9
Seed Basket’s study of King Saul’s life continues in Chapter Twelve. We find the aging prophet, Samuel, addressing the people at Saul’s coronation. He reminds them of his faithfulness to God and to them. (1 Samuel 12:1-6)
Samuel stands before the people to remind them of the goodness and salvation of the Lord. He reminds them of His provision and protection through the lives of Jacob, Moses and the time of the righteous judges.
Now just imagine that you are in that crowd of people. You are one of God’s chosen- a son, or a daughter of the King. You would know about the stories of the Exodus, of the provision of manna, and water from the rock.
The people have just been saved from the terror of an enemy king- King Nahash (here is a link to last week’s story in case you missed it).
Now, Samuel warns the people not to forsake God again.
God has continually reminded the people, through His servants: “…do not forget the Lord, your God…” (Deuteronomy 8:11)
“If you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God.
However, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers.”
1 Samuel 12-13-15
Isn’t it easy for us to look disdainfully at the Hebrews? In hindsight, they appear foolish, rebellious and willfully sinful.
But what about you and me? We should never judge others. We don’t really know any other heart. God knows every motive and deed. That includes yours and mine.
God’s name displays His promise, authority and His righteous character. For the sake of His great name, His plan cannot be thwarted, nor will His promises to us be broken. His sons and daughters can know that He will never abandon us.
Now don’t be misled. We cannot abuse God’s grace without consequence. There will always be discipline for sin. Discipline involves restoration and learning from our error. But we are not condemned for our sin. Jesus has already born all the punishment for our sin. (Hebrews 12:6-11) (Romans 8:1)
As the story continues, Samuel prepares the people to witness the righteousness of God. Because they experience such a miracle, they are mercifully drawn to repentance. The people cannot deny their wickedness. Nor can they deny God’s power and love for them.
A Divine Miracle
“…I will call to the Lord, and He will send thunder and rain, that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking a king for yourselves. So, Samuel called to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.”
1 Samuel 12:17 & 18
Repentance
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 the evil of asking a king for ourselves.”
1 Samuel 12:19
Serve the Lord with all Your Heart
Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord but serve the Lord with all your heart.
Deliver us from Empty Things
And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things
which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
And the King offers water for life.
Promises & Consequences
- the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.
- … far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you
- I will teach you the good and the right way.
- Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart;
- …consider what great things He has done for you.
- But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
So, who is your king? Do you call the shots for your life? If you do then you are missing out on the sweetest peace, the greatest joy, and the thrill of loving and serving Jesus.
Even if all the world rejects Him, He is still the King. God’s divine plan cannot be obscured or destroyed by sinful people.
Jesus is the King.
Jesus is my King.
I hope that He is yours.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Statement of Faith
