Sometimes we have to look closer into the Bible to see examples of familiar concepts. Here we read of doing wrong, realizing it, repenting, and returning to God. We see God’s reaction to it as well. Just think, for the Christian, mistakes are part of life, part of our walk. Mistakes are not who we are, they just help shape us into who God intends us to be. Our reaction to our mistakes are what’s important. And it’s God’s handling of our mistakes that matters most. It’s just a matter of humbly realizing mistakes serve a purpose in our development, and they only fulfill their purpose when we respond to them the way God calls us to respond. Humility, honesty, and reverence, that’s how we respond to our mistakes. Only God can forgive our sins. He proved it on the cross. Isn’t it a secure feeling knowing our mistakes are not permanent? They may do damage, but it’s nothing God can’t fix. Praise God for His grace and mercy.
16 “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do. 17 You know that it does not rain at this time of the year during the wheat harvest. I will ask the Lord to send thunder and rain today. Then you will realize how wicked you have been in asking the Lord for a king!”18 So Samuel called to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people were terrified of the Lord and of Samuel. 19 “Pray to the Lord your God for us, or we will die!” they all said to Samuel. “For now we have added to our sins by asking for a king.”20 “Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on Him. 21 Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you–they are totally useless! 22 The Lord will not abandon His people, because that would dishonor His great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you His very own people.23 “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve Him. Think of all the wonderful things He has done for you. 25 But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away.”
1 Samuel 12:16-25
An Ordinary Man's Pursuit of the Extraordinary God of the Bible. These are daily insights from reading the Bible from cover to cover yearly. It is intended to point others to the Truth, and inspire people to pursue the God of the Bible individually.
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