April 10, 2017. Made His Own

1 Samuel 9-12

These next 4 chapters are a whirlwind.  In chapter 9 we are introduced to Saul is going to be king out searching for some donkeys, but when they cannot be found they go to Samuel looking for advice, and instead Saul is told that he is to be king.  Sounds like a fairytale, one you are out looking for your fathers donkeys, the next you are being told you are going to be king over all of God’s people. 

In chapter 10 Saul is made king, but they people question whether or not he should be. But in chapter 11 he is given the chance to prove that he is up for the job and the Lord is with him when he rescues the city of Jabesh and slaughters the Ammonites.

Then comes chapter 12 where Samuel rehashes everything the Israelites have done and how God has continued to come to their rescue and will not forget them.  He speaks the truth and is harsh but it is something we as Christians need to hear. 

20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.”

Yes you have sinned. Yes you have turned your back on God. Yes you have pursued worthless idols, BUT the Lord will NOT reject you.  He was pleased to make you his own. Wow. What a sigh of relief. Even after everything they had done to reject God, he still wants to love his people and be there for them. 

We are so blessed to have a merciful and grace filled God, one who even after we have turned our backs on him and choose the things of this world, He still chooses us.  He chooses us every single time.  Waiting in the corner for us to turn and notice Him still there, still choosing us.