For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.  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.  But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.  Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." 1 Samuel 12: 22-25

Samuel reminds the people of Israel that The God of Israel had made an investment in God’s people. The Lord had no intention of rejecting Israel. On the other hand, the Lord took delight in the relationship between Israel and Himself. That is a profound statement. How can the Creator take delight in the creature?  That is precisely what has happened; those who do not deserve a place in the heavenly assembly have become part of the family of God.

Samuel responds to the request of the fearful assembly for prayer with these words: “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you”. Samuel accepted it as his responsibility to pray for the people of Israel and the newly installed King. Praying for one another is something that we should all take seriously. Samuel understood praying for the people of Israel as his responsibility. There are many people whose direction in life could be altered by the prayers and concerns of the saints. It may be time for us to start praying for all those who are within our spheres of influence.

Samuel stated that he would do more than pray for the people, he would teach them the way that is good and right. It is not enough to pray for others without looking for opportunities to impart the word of God to them. The more people realize what God has done for them, the more they respond by living out a godly life. The fear of the Lord is always the basis for faithful living.

There will be consequences to actions that ignore God. Samuel wanted all of us to understand that persistence in doing evil would bring about disastrous consequences. God is able to sweep away all those who persist in disobeying the laws of God.

The God who is loving and faithful is also holy and just, so people cannot presume on the grace of God.

Stay blessed!

Brother Seth