“For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” (22-25)
These verses follow the tragic transition in Israel when God decided to give them an earthly king. Until this point, the Lord has been their “king,” guiding them directly through prophetic figures like Moses, Joshua, and Samuel. Yet, the people were unsatisfied and often cried that they wanted an earthly king, a man of war like the nations around them. This request was an affront to God because it not only showed their desire to be like their pagan neighbors but it also demonstrated their lack of desire to know and serve Him as Lord. Yet, as is often the case, they complained like petulant children until they got what they wanted. It was only after getting what they asked for that they realized the foolishness of their desire. Considering the church today, could we be any more like them? We strive after what God does not want us to have, only to regret it once we finally get it and cry out to God in remorse. That is the bad news; nothing changes.
There is good news, though, for sinful people like Israel (and us). God does not forsake His people because of His great name. Additionally, He provides Shepherds to pray for us and instruct us on the right way to go, whether we deserve it or not. After years of resisting their request for a King and then finally giving in, you would expect Samuel to say something like, “You made your bed; now lie in it!” However, he does not say this. Instead, Samuel tells the people, “You still have a chance to make this right. God will not forsake you if you will obey Him and serve Him with your whole heart.” Additionally, Samuel tells the people, “I am not walking away from you either.” He promises to continue to pray for them and teach them how to serve the Lord. This promise is good news for sinful people. Even when we fail, God is faithful and will forgive and restore us if we simply repent and do what is right. He also provides people in our lives to shepherd us and help us do what’s right, even when we don’t deserve their help. Rejoice in the God of grace and thank Him for those who shepherd you and care for your soul. It is not an easy task!
