Year 7, Day 293: 1 Samuel 7

Theological Commentary: Click Here

1 Samuel 7 is a great chapter to look at the concept of returning to the Lord.  The chapter begins with the ark being reclaimed.  This is evidence of the Lords greatness.  This is also evidence to the people that God is big enough to take care of His own things without their help.  God restores His own ark to His own people.

In response, the people consecrate Eleazar to tend the ark.  Remember that Eli’s sons were killed.  When Eli heard about the event, he himself died.  The people needed a new priest, so they consecrate Eleazar.

Enter Samuel.  Samuel comes forward and ceases the opportunity.  Listen closely to the directive that Samuel asks.  “If you are returning to the Lord, then put away the foreign gods.”  Samuel begins the return to the Lord with what should happen.  He begins by leading them into repentance.

Samuel doesn’t pat them on the back and say, “Ok, let’s just try again.”  Samuel comes alongside of them and says, “Before we try again, let’s look at fixing what went wrong.”  The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over again and expecting different results.  Samuel knows this.  When the people consecrate Eleazar, Samuel steps up and tells them that if they want different results, then they need to modify their behavior.

I love chapters like this.  They remind us just how much repentance is important.  Yes, God loves us as we are.  He wants us to know salvation.  But He doesn’t want us to stay as we are.

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