Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8-12
It is sad to see that Samuel ended up similarly as Eli, when it comes to his sons. His sons did not walk with God – then, people use it to force Samuel to do their will, appointment of a king. But, God sees it all – “if is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” People want to be “like other nations”, when they are special and chosen — have you felt the same way before? God made us specially and we just want to be just like another person in our classroom or workplace – as a Christian, we suppose to shine like a light wherever we are, but we tend to be conformed, rather than be the light to transform those around us…
The Israelites now have a king, Saul, appointed by God via Samuel. But, not all of them are happy – “The despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.” I find silence is more scary than loud opposition. Martin Luther King Jr. said “I rather have violence of one man than silence of many”. When something bothers you happens, have you ignored with silence because you don’t want to bother to deal with it, or you don’t want to get involved, or you are scared to know what happens when you stand up to deal with it? Samuel once again says like all others before him, “Do not be afraid…. Do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart”.
Finally, Samuel confesses what I just did this morning before I even opened my bible – “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you”. I don’t pray enough – I mean, I don’t have enough conversation with God with my whole heart. I repented about my lack of prayer life this morning before I came into my office – and I read this passage. Ouch! Since I have now developed a habit of reading the bible daily, I am going to work on my prayer life – my next 3 months goal! How about you? Have you prayed for someone today with your whole heart without any selfish thoughts? Do you care someone so deeply that you want to spend time with God on their behalf to intercede and advocate before God for them? I would like to challenge you today — Pray for one person who are not related to you and intercede on his/her behalf with all your heart! God will listen as it states today “I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me”. It cannot be just a lukewarm prayer, but it must be “cry” for that person to God with all your might. If you don’t know how, that’s ok – ask God as to how, since “how” is not a problem for God who can do all impossible things!