Consider Or Be Consumed

The context of 1 Samuel 12 is one of a pivotal point in Israel’s history. Israel had demanded a king and was given one just like the world. This was contrary to the will of God for them. Israel would be led into victory by their new king. The question for them at that point was, would they see this victory as coming from their earthly king or Heavenly King. The man of God, Samuel, was guiding the people to see their victories as coming from the sovereignty of God and not of man. Samuel does this by reminding Israel of God’s leading and protection up to this point, before ever having an earthly king:

• (12:6-8) Reminds Israel of God delivering them from Egypt and bringing them into this Promised Land
• (12:9-11) Reminds Israel of their disobedience under the Judges
• (12:12-15) Reminds Israel that God went against His own will to honor their request for a king
• (12:16-19) Reminds Israel that God will bring judgment, and he requests God to send a sign of judgment that their eyes are opened going forward. Israel sees the error of their way in demanding a king, and repents
• (12:20-22) Tells Israel the past cannot be undone but they can go forward following and serving God
• (12:23) Reminds Israel of Samuel’s duty, to pray and teach them in the right ways of God, and if he does not do is than he is sinning as they had
• (12:24-25) Tells Israel that if they heed the man of God and the teachings of God’s Word than they will be blessed going forward, otherwise they will be judged

Contextually, this is where our Sunday School class and church is today. Like Israel, there is not a one of us here who are in the perfect will of God. God has placed clear open doors that we have refused to go through. God has closed doors that we have busted down. With these, the past is the past and cannot be undone. What matters now is how we go forward and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

I want us to do what Samuel told Israel, to “consider how great things he hath done for you” (12:24). We need to see just how great the Godhead is towards us, that we do not “do wickedly” and “be consumed.”