1 Samuel chapter 12 is a powerful example of how occasionally looking back can help bolster our confidence in God’s faithfulness for the future. Samuel begins his address to the nation by reminding them, he has done what they asked, “and set a king over you“. He first invited any criticism, “I am old and gray… here I stand testify against me“. But the people replied, “You have not cheated or oppressed us“. Next, Samuel told the nation, “The Lord is witness against you, and also His anointed… that you have not found anything in my hand“. The old priest is telling the nation, don’t blame me, you wanted a king and you will have to live with the consequences. He reminded them, up until King Saul, “The Lord your God was your king“. God will allow us to make bad choices in life because frequently the results draw us back to Him in a powerful way. God never forces us to choose Him.
Samuel then gave a history lesson. “I am going to confront you with evidence… as to all the righteous acts performed by the Lord for you and your forefathers“. He reminded the people of how “the Lord sent Moses and Aaron… brought you out of Egypt and settled in this place“. He explained how God, “delivered us from the hands of our enemies… on every side, so you lived securely“. He detailed the judges God sent to correct the people. And he reminded them they rejected God, “No, we want a king to rule over us“. When we make a wrong turn in life, it is helpful to look back to retrace our steps. Our tendency is to blame God, when in reality; our own foolishness is to blame. Samuel gave the people a firm warning, “If both you and the king who reins over you follow the Lord your God good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and you rebel against His commandments, His hand will be against you“. Some mistakenly believe there is a neutral middle ground where we can tolerate God, but not be too religious. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:30, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters“.
Our God is so patient and compassionate with those of us that stumble. Samuel continued, “Do not be afraid. You have done all this evil; yet do not run away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart… the Lord is pleased to make you His own.” It is never too late to seek forgiveness and God is ALWAYS faithful to restore us completely. As a servant of this God of compassion, Samuel assured the people, “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you”. And Samuel closed his speech by reminding the people he will do what he was called to do, but they must still make the choice, “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“. I pray you would be reminded of God’s faithfulness in your life. He is pleased to make you His own too!