February 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.  1 Samuel 12:24

This verse serves as a climax to Samuel’s farewell speech to the Israelites.  Having just transitioned the nation from a theocracy (ruled by God) to a monarchy (ruled by King Saul), Samuel provides another reminder as to how the people should live in this new chapter.  Initially resistant to the idea of a king (1 Samuel 8), Samuel anointed Saul after praying to God and God reminding him that the people have not rejected Samuel but rather they have rejected God as their King.  Although the Israelites insisted on a king so they would be like other nations, they admit their wrongdoing in verse 19 when they tell Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.“

Samuel tells them that although they have done evil, do not turn from the Lord, but serve Him with all their heart.  He further pleads for the people not to turn away to useless idols because they are no good and can not save them. He reminds the Israelites that for the sake of His great name, the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make them His own. Samuel concludes his speech telling the people to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all their heart and consider what great things He has done for them.  

“Fear the Lord” does not mean to be terrified of a tyrant.  Rather, to have a profound respect and awe for God’s holiness and power.  “Serve Him faithfully” means to have a devotion to God that is consistent and reliable.  “With all your heart” signifies following God with all that we are.  It’s an “all-in” commitment to seek Him daily and follow His laws and commands while we consider all the great things He has done for us.  It is an intentional remembrance of what God has done.  When we look back at God’s deliverance, protection, and provision in our lives, our hearts are filled with gratitude which creates the way for future trust and obedience.  

Like the Israelites, we turn from God and do evil.  We desire things rather than God - making other things our god and king.  Though we do evil things, we can take comfort in the words Samuel gave the Israelites, “do not turn away from the Lord, rather serve the Lord with all your heart” (vs 20).  God is gracious and merciful.  He is loving and forgiving.  His command is for us to serve Him faithfully with all our heart.  Is this the condition of your heart?  What needs to change to better serve Him more faithfully?  

Father - Again we are reminded of Your desire for us to follow You with all of our heart.  You’re not interested in half measures or just a piece of our heart.  You want it all.  You want to be the only King in our life.  Forgive us for chasing other things that take Your place.  Continue working in our hearts to help us more faithfully and fully follow You.  Remove those things that hinder us from doing so.  Thank You for Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness.  What a loving Father.  In Your name we pray.  Amen.