Only Fear The Lord

Dear class,

Yesterday's readings were taken from 1Samuel 10-12 and Ephesians 5:17-33.

Just a quick note on 1Sam 12.
We recall how Israel chose to reject God by electing a physical king among them.
Yet in spite of that, God continued to make provisions to the nation.

We note that the Israelites repented of their folly (1Sam 12:19).
Oftentimes, what's been done is done. Yet what's important is not to wallow in our sins but to gird up our loins and set our minds toward making ourselves right with God.

1Sa 12:20  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;
1Sa 12:21  And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
1Sa 12:22  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.
1Sa 12:23  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:
1Sa 12:24  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
1Sa 12:25  But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

Quick pointers as we examine the Word of God through Samuel:
1) Fear not
We cannot allow ourselves to be stuck in the mire in worry and anxiety, no matter what's been done and how big a set back. Snap out of it! Move on!

2) Turn not to vain things
A spiritual problem requires a spiritual solution. We cannot seek to be right with God through worldly avenues like "making amends" by doing benevolent works, delving into worldly "self-help" books, etc. First and foremost is to turn back to God's ways. And then to continue in them. That is the only way we can be right in the sight of God. We recall the 2 contrasting examples in Peter and Judas Ischariot. Both had sinned yet the latter chose to take matters into his own hands by taking his own life. We can be certain his part is in the lake of fire and brimstone (c.f. Rev 21:8)

3) God will not forsake
As God's holy nation, the same as it is then and in this present Christian age, in it's spiritual form (c.f. 1Pe 2:9), God WILL NOT forsake us! But is ever inclined toward those who would draw near to Him.

4) Prayer for one another
This should be a mainstay in our prayers! Prayer is a privilege accorded to Christians by God. A powerful privilege that is not to be taken lightly but with all reverence and to be in constant use. We see how the apostles constantly kept the brethren in their prayers and of course a very familiar verse as penned by Paul in 1Th 5:17 - Pray without ceasing!

5) Fear God and serve
Notice the dual nature of fearing God. True Godly fear cannot be separated from action! Our service also needs to be "in truth" - i.e. according to God's Word, not our own wisdom or perception, AND "with all (our) heart" - i.e. with the purest motivation and fullest extent of our commitment. Certainly reminds us of what Jesus commanded of us in the worship of God (c.f. Jhn 4:24). And if anyone of us needed anymore motivation to do so, other than the plain fact that we have been saved for the very purpose (c.f. Eph 2:10), let us not forget all the bountiful blessings we have in Christ Jesus!

6) Shun wickedness
To complete the picture, Samuel exhorted the people not to backslide. God has bountiful pleasures and mercy toward those that love Him and would turn to Him, but the wicked and unrepentant will only be left to face the wrath of God. As the redeemed citizens in His Kingdom, let us be forewarned and never allowed ourselves to slide back into the mire. (c.f. 2Pe 2:20-22; Heb 10:26-29)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Give us this day our daily bread. ~ Matthew 6:11