The Strange Logic Of The Grace Of God (Guest Preacher: Josh Tollett)
1 Samuel 12:19–25
[Note: the recording for this sermon was sadly lost. I encourage you to take time and read through the passage. Josh (the guest preacher) emphasized God’s grace even in the midst of Israel’s sin. Israel did not need to be afraid of judgement, even though they had done evil and were deserving of judgement. What they were called to do was serve God and fear him. God is patient with his people. Our sins are not the end of us, but they are a reminder to cling to God and serve him with our whole heart.
How does someone continue to serve God faithfully throughout their life? Samuel tells us to ‘consider what great things God has done.’ Consider, what are some great things God has done for his people throughout history? What are some great things God has done in your life and the life of others around you?]
And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.”
And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
