1 Samuel 12.14-25
The Israelites sinned against the LORD as they asked for a king. Having rejected the rule of the Lord over them, they desired to be like other nations. In Samuel’s farewell address to the Israelites, he said: Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. and do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty (1 Samuel 12.20-21). Though they had failed to follow the Lord, though they had desired conformity to other nations, the Lord had not rejected them. For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake (12.22). He had called them, made them His own, and willingly forgave them of sin. Now the call came for them, even with a king ruling over them, to follow the Lord. Regardless of the past, they could change; they could make choices to do the right thing.
Every believer has a sinful past, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3.23). For those who have repented of sin, they are given the great privilege of being called the children of God. Regardless of past sins, of poor decisions, and of unwanted consequences, there is hope. The child of God does not need to live in the guilt or sorrow of the past, being defeated by what was and the choices made. There is hope in forgiveness; the Lord redeems His people for purpose and calls us to move forward in righteousness. Our minds are to be refocused on the future, as the past is past; nothing can be done to change it. Now, only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you (12.24). Refocus. The Lord does not quit on His own. Rather, He calls us to remember His saving grace, to move forward in anticipation and faith with the expectation of His presence, the fulfillment of His promises, and the work of His Spirit to lead us in righteous living, honoring the Lord every action and choice we make.
Knowing God’s forgiveness – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 