Consider the Great Things God Has Done For You

Daily Devotional – Saturday, September 30, 2023
Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
1 Samuel 12:24 (NKJV)

After prophet, judge and priest Samuel had anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel, it was time to retire. In his farewell address, the ageing man juxtaposed the goodness of the Lord against the wickedness of the Israelites and challenged the people to consider the great things God had done for them.

A Trail of Rebellion

According to Samuel, the children of Jacob had continuously rebelled against God but the Lord had performed righteous deeds towards them. For example, in the days of the judges, whenever they had sinned against God and ended up in slavery, God had raised up judges to liberate them. Nonetheless, the Israelites would soon rebel and become slaves again.

To rub salt to the wound of sin and rebellion, the Israelites demanded to have a king like the surrounding nations. God, their eternal King, considered this as treason, a rejection of His sovereignty over them. This sermon by Samuel, plus a miracle he performed on this day, led the Israelites to repentance.

Remember God’s Goodness Towards You

They asked him to intercede with God on their behalf. Samuel assured the repentant people that God would not forsake them. However, the prophet warned the Israelites not to forsake God through sinning. He also revealed to them a secret that would help them remain faithful to God.

Samuel pleaded, “Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24). When we recount the Lord’s goodness in our lives despite our wickedness; when we look back at where the sin pit from which the Lord rescued us, our natural response will be to reverence and serve Him faithfully.

Consider the Great Things God Has Done For You

Take a moment today to consider the great things God has done for you. Reflect on the countless blessings He bestows on you, yet you do not deserve them. Remember the many despicable sins He has forgiven you. How else would you respond to God than to fear and serve Him faithfully with all your heart?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, because of Your innumerable and unfathomable mercies and blessings towards me, I will fear and obey You faithfully from my heart.