We often think we need something when we really don’t.  The people of Israel thought they needed a king to rule over them when, in fact, they already had the King of kings, the Almighty God as their ruler.  The Prophet Samuel pointed this out to them and they realized their guilt.  Here is Samuel’s reply to them, which has implications for you and me today…

“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.  ²¹Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.  ²²For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.  ²³As 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.  ²⁴But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.  ²⁵Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”  1 Samuel 12:20-25 (NIV)

Vs. 20: All have done evil – The bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  That’s you and me.  We share the guilty verdict.

Vs. 21: Don’t turn toward idols – whether they be material possessions like cars, boats, clothes OR perhaps “sacred cows” in our churches (we can only sing hymns, we can only use the King James Version, Women shall not wear pants to church, etc.)

Vs. 22: God will not reject His people – God has chosen Israel as His people as well as the followers of Jesus Christ.  He will not reject Israel or His church.  He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.  (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6)

Vs. 24: Fear God

 Serve God

 Remember all God has done for you

Vs. 25: Keep doing evil – you will perish

WAIT A MINUTE!  You left out verse 23. 

Well, actually I saved it for last because I wanted to bring it to the forefront of our attention today…

We are to pray for God’s people…whether or not we agree with them…whether or not we think they are acting the way they should…whether or not we feel they are incorrect in their doctrine.  We are to pray for them.  Not praying for them would be a “sin against the Lord” according to this word from God himself.

Start today.  Turn your heart toward God, pray for His people.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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