the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
1 Samuel 12:16-25; 1 Samuel 13:1-5
The rain which Samuel asked for at the height of the harvest (at a time when it never rains in these parts — Proverbs 26:5) was a miracle intended to prove to the people that the prophet was indeed speaking from the LORD. And what does he say then? In a tender manner, after they had humbled themselves, he exhorts them to turn away from their vain things which are not profitable, in order to serve God with all their heart (vv. 20, 21 – cf. Titus 2:12-14). Samuel’s service as a judge is ended. But he still keeps on with his work as an intercessor (v. 23) as well as being a prophet to show them on the LORD’s behalf "the good and right way". Divine grace maintains for them in the person of Samuel this twofold resource: prayer and the Word. We possess, dear children of God, a Person who is even more wonderful yet. Right to the end, Jesus will not cease praying for each one of us. And so that we can follow the good and right way on the earth, He gives us His Spirit and His Word. With such resources it is even less excusable for us than for Israel, if we do not live our lives to His glory.
Saul’s reign is about to begin. He brings the people together at Gilgal to face their enemies, the Philistines.
