Thursday, January 6, 2011

Cut the Rope

1 Samuel 12:6-25

Israel’s relationship with God runs a predictable cycle: Peace-Sin-Punishment-Pleading-Saving. Their deliverance from the Ammonites is still novelty and with a new king set in place, security is savored in the land. Knowing what’s next after this celebrated peace, thinking it could also be his last chance to take centerstage, Samuel poured out all truth in love to these forgetful people.  He gave these four-point outline, all beginning with the letter R:

First is to acknowledge their Real Rescuer, the One who gave them priests, judges and now their king. They may have opted for an earthly leader, but for His Name’s sake and pleasure, God will continue to make them His own.  Second is to Realize the evil thing they did when they asked for a king. A nation could never run forward without first throwing off everything that hinders and entangles. Sin and blessing will never occupy the same space at the same time. Third is the Rule of Righteousness. Even with a new system of government, they are still subject to God’s standards. For without His favor, no kingdom can escape being swept away. Fourth is to Remember the great things God did for them. A life of gratitude and focusing on grace will keep us from falling easily again. Being soaked in the wonderment of Jesus leaves no room to wander away for some worthless idols.

Summing up, Samuel calls all Israel not just to start anew but to start right. We may be reaping the curse of our lineage’s disobedience, but we can cut the rope now and allow blessing to flow down the line instead. We may have fallen again or sank deeper this time, but Jesus said, ‘go and sin no more’. 


Application:

There is really no retirement in the Lord’s service. Although an outgoing leader, Samuel ended his speech with a commitment to pray and to continue teaching them the way that is good and right. We continue to be parents even after our kids get married. In this country, the support all the more heightens at the coming of the grandchildren :> A home-based young mom like me shouldn’t fret for being unable to professionally work outside when there are endless possibilities of purposeful living as a homemaker, wife, mother, friend and neighbor. Who says my hands are not full everyday? And should sickness and rejection stop us from caring? Who gets well by being self-absorbed and shut off? Galatians 6:9 says: ‘Let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.’ Let us cut the rope of idleness, mediocrity and selfishness. Work is not all about earning money or climbing  our way to the top. It’s being and doing our best wherever God placed us, for whoever He’ll lead us, and always for the glory of One.
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Cut the Rope

1 Samuel 12:6-25

Israel’s relationship with God runs a predictable cycle: Peace-Sin-Punishment-Pleading-Saving. Their deliverance from the Ammonites is still novelty and with a new king set in place, security is savored in the land. Knowing what’s next after this celebrated peace, thinking it could also be his last chance to take centerstage, Samuel poured out all truth in love to these forgetful people.  He gave these four-point outline, all beginning with the letter R:

First is to acknowledge their Real Rescuer, the One who gave them priests, judges and now their king. They may have opted for an earthly leader, but for His Name’s sake and pleasure, God will continue to make them His own.  Second is to Realize the evil thing they did when they asked for a king. A nation could never run forward without first throwing off everything that hinders and entangles. Sin and blessing will never occupy the same space at the same time. Third is the Rule of Righteousness. Even with a new system of government, they are still subject to God’s standards. For without His favor, no kingdom can escape being swept away. Fourth is to Remember the great things God did for them. A life of gratitude and focusing on grace will keep us from falling easily again. Being soaked in the wonderment of Jesus leaves no room to wander away for some worthless idols.

Summing up, Samuel calls all Israel not just to start anew but to start right. We may be reaping the curse of our lineage’s disobedience, but we can cut the rope now and allow blessing to flow down the line instead. We may have fallen again or sank deeper this time, but Jesus said, ‘go and sin no more’. 


Application:

There is really no retirement in the Lord’s service. Although an outgoing leader, Samuel ended his speech with a commitment to pray and to continue teaching them the way that is good and right. We continue to be parents even after our kids get married. In this country, the support all the more heightens at the coming of the grandchildren :> A home-based young mom like me shouldn’t fret for being unable to professionally work outside when there are endless possibilities of purposeful living as a homemaker, wife, mother, friend and neighbor. Who says my hands are not full everyday? And should sickness and rejection stop us from caring? Who gets well by being self-absorbed and shut off? Galatians 6:9 says: ‘Let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.’ Let us cut the rope of idleness, mediocrity and selfishness. Work is not all about earning money or climbing  our way to the top. It’s being and doing our best wherever God placed us, for whoever He’ll lead us, and always for the glory of One.