Monday, June 20, 2016

1 Samuel 12 - Worthless Idols

Samuel in his parting word to the nation of Israel reminds them of how the Lord has preserved the nation time after time in spite of its failures. He reminds the nation that even now, they have chosen a king like the nations around them instead of being content to have God Himself as their King. He pleads with them to serve the Lord and not follow after idols as the other nations do. 

God has chosen his people and will guard them. But when the people turn away from God and follow after pagan pleasures and worship idols with no power, then the Lord must also turn away from the country. Samuel warns that if the nation persists in doing evil then both they and their king will be swept away. 

Open the pages of any newspaper and you see how evil is all around in our own nation. Much of it brought about by the rejection of God and the pursuit of selfish pleasure. Our nation has been sliding away from God and He has allowed the evil we have pursued to run its course. The enemy cheers when the nation runs amok. 

One compromise after another. Each going deeper than the last until we are so enveloped in empty pursuits there is no hope left. Our idolatry can take a number of forms. It may be idle time spent in from of television or Internet. I may be games, vacations, pursuit of riches or fame. It may be drink or entertainment, but all lead to the same end if we allow these pursuits to replace our passion for God. They are empty and worthless. 

It is wise to consider our passions and be careful to serve the Lord. Our passions which being temporary pleasure can be the very things that bind us and enslave if we do not guard our hearts. I would venture that many of the wicked players of our day began with a single compromise - a choice they believed was just momentary. Before long one choice leads to another. Wrong thinking begets more wrong thinking. Bad acting leads to even more. 

As stewards of the resources entrusted by God, we should be careful to not waste them on our temporary pleasure but to use them for our needs and to build a strong testimony for the Lord. We live in days that are evil. God would be right to sweep away the people and the king, but so far he has not. The Christians of this land stand in the gap pleading with the nation to return to God and find redemption. 

Let's not confuse temporary pleasure with eternal purpose. God has placed you where you are to serve Him and to encourage others to place their trust in Him. As the days grow darker, Christ's people shine brighter. Shine for the Lord and stand out so that people may turn from evil and find the Lord and enjoy forgiveness. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him. 

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