Two things struck me this morning as I read thru 1 Samuel 12. First, I love love love the way Samuel goes out. At the end of his life and ministry he has a clear conscience before God and man. And not only that, it’s not a delusional clear conscience, but one based in reality. The people he has served agree that “he has not cheated or oppressed anyone.” He had done a commendable job. Everyone talks about leaving a legacy and he is a prime example. I’m sure his mother Hannah was proud, and what a great example of why parents need to dedicate their children to God from an early age.
Second, the people ask, in spite of their evil deeds and their sin, that Samuel pray for them. He not only agrees to do this, but he states, “far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.” He doesn’t do in begrudgingly but he does it out of genuine concern for God’s people. He also encouraged them to stay faithful to God in spite of their many failings. “Do not be afraid, you have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.” Wow!
A Couple of things to consider: If you were to leave this world today could you do it with Samuel’s clear conscience?
In what areas of your life do you need to not “turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart?”
- Sheldon Jefferson, Junior High Pastor
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