Continue in Faith

Weekly Update – February 2nd, 2023

In 1 Samuel 4:1, there are nine words that start off a new account in the storyline of Israel.  Judgement has just been pronounced on Eli and his sons (1 Sam. 2:32-35) and Samuel has been established as the next man to lead Israel (1 Sam. 3:19-21).  Not all is made right immediately though.  There has been corruption and wickedness flowing throughout Israel for many years as “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).  But when we get to 1 Samuel 4:1 there is a bit of hope that almost seems dashed immediately.  The text says, “And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.”  Samuel is serving faithfully before the Lord, teaching God’s commands to all of Israel.  First Samuel 7:16 seems to indicate that he traveled all around Israel to make God’s word known as he went from the cities of Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah all the days of his life.  Even so, after we read these words in 1 Samuel 4:1, Israel goes out, loses a battle to the Philistines, tries to manipulate God into giving them the victory, loses the ark of the covenant, and judgement falls upon them for their wickedness.  So then, how should we think about Samuel teaching God’s word to all Israel, followed by Israel continuing in its wickedness? 

First Samuel 7:2 says that while the ark of God was out of its designated place, “Israel lamented after the Lord.”  Israel had a clear understanding that they had sinned, but they didn’t know what to do about it.  What led them to this point?  Well, when the ark was returned to Israel, seventy men were struck dead just for looking inside of it (1 Sam. 6:19).  This left Israel to respond by saying, “who is able to stand before the Lord, his holy God?” (1 Sam. 6:20).  Therefore, it was a clear picture of the holiness of God that led Israel to see their sin and long to be made right with him.

This is where Samuel comes to the scene again.  He says, “If you are returning to the Lord with all of your heart…” (1 Sam. 7:3).  In other words, Samuel, who has remained faithful to God’s word, teaching it all over Israel, patiently waits to see the effects of God’s word take place in the repentance of Israel.  It took twenty years, yet God’s word did not fail. 

What does this mean for us?  Three things.

First, don’t let up in prayer for others.  If you don’t see immediate results from prayer, continue on in persistence before the Lord.  Jesus reminded his disciples to “always pray and not lose heart” (Lk. 18:1), therefore, so should we.  Remember, Samuel not only faithfully taught God’s word, but likely prayed for Israel for 20 years. 

Second, trust God to work through His word. Again, Samuel taught all of Israel for over 20 years before he saw the fruit of repentance.  Yet, it was Samuel’s faithfulness that allowed him to see God’s work when the time was right.  For our own lives, one Sunday at church may not be life changing, but Sunday after Sunday after Sunday for 15 years will be.  For the parent who is striving to read scripture with their children.  One week may not yield any sort of change, but trust that God will work over the course of 10 years instead.  Sometimes our expectations overestimate what God will accomplish in the course of six months, but underestimate what He will do over 5 years. 

Third, take advantage of every opportunity.  When the people of Israel came face to face with their situation, they were left in despair.  They didn’t know how to approach God, their enemies had not been defeated and God’s judgment had been clear as Israel’s priests were killed.  We don’t know how God is working in people’s hearts, but we do know that he often brings people to the end of themselves in preparing them to come to Christ.  Take advantage of these types of moments in others, even if it takes years for God to bring them about. 

Don’t let up when you fail to see immediate change in the lives of those around you.  Don’t give up in prayer when it doesn’t seem like your family member will ever change.  Don’t waver in hope when you wonder whether you will ever move through your own sin.  Instead, continue in faith by remaining persistent in prayer, trusting God to work through His word, and making the most of every opportunity before you.

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson