Day 76

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The End of Judges

Scripture

March 16—1 Samuel 4-8: Samuel's Rebuilding of the Nation

Observation

In fulfillment of Samuel's prophetic word, judgment falls upon the family of Eli. Hophni and Phinehas die at the hands of the Philistines, along with 34,000 of their countrymen. Worse yet, the Ark of God falls into enemy hands. Struck by the twin blows of national and family catastrophe, Eli falls over and dies a broken man. Upon the shoulders of young Samuel is placed the responsibility of rebuilding the shattered nation both spiritually and politically. The Philistines return the Ark (with a little "divine encouragement") and the Israelites return to the worship of the one true God. But as Samuel grows older and his sons pervert their office as judges, the elders request a king to rule over them like all the other nations.

Application

Be careful how you pray. God may give you what you ask for!

Israel requested a king—a seemingly harmless request. After all, wouldn't a monarch be preferable to the corrupt leaders who were making a sham of national worship? But God knew the people's motives were wrong ("we want to be like all the other nations") and the consequences would be devastating. Their sons and daughters would be inducted into the king's service, their lands confiscated, their possessions taxed and seized. In effect, they would become slaves to the king. And yet, they insisted: "Give us a king!"

Examine your prayer life. Is it characterized by demands or requests? "God, you must heal me. You must bring my husband back. You must give me what I ask for." Check up on your motives. Are you making requests with your comfort and convenience in mind, or his glory? And have you considered what might happen if God did answer your prayer? Could it be God has something even better in store for you than the answer you would supply to your own prayer? 

Prayer

Dear Lord, we pray for healing and mercy for the shut in and the shut out. We call some by name for you to give shelter to the homeless especially those with children. We want those sick to get well. We want you to give that job to the unemployed. But, God not our will but thy will be done because we know you know what each and everyone of us need. Thank you, Jesus! 


Thy Will be Done!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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