The cost for error is high.Nations need authoritative wise leaders.There comes a moment in the history of a nation on the verge of economic and moral catastrophe to require a level and intensity of leadership which has never been experienced for many a year.It happened fifty years ago in the United Kingdom and it happened three thousand years ago in Israel and it is so desperately needed in these present financially challenging days.What gave rise to this three thousand years ago and how might this be applied today?Harvesters from Beth Shemesh, some 15 miles west of Jerusalem, rejoiced when they witnessed the Ark of the Lord returning from the Philistines.Ah, here comes God! It is just like old times.No, it was not like old times.There was no reverence whatsoever for the things of God.Experiencing rejection by men, he is still God's man, and Samuel is thrust forward to rescue the nation, as the people wanted to sort out the appalling mess they were in.They wanted to return to God, and to the ways of God, but Samuel challenges them.If you are serious, you must first get rid of all the foreign gods and idols that have invaded your lives.Sometimes people want it both ways.They want to see God work, and bring about lawful living, and raise moral standards, without first getting rid of the idols.Samuel spelt it out.Israel assembled at Mizpah and Samuel prayed.On that day they fasted and confessed that they had sinned against God.Samuel led, and the God whom Samuel served, was the only God who could save the nation from their enemies.During the analysis of these horrendous riots in England, the one word I waited for, and never heard, was 'sin'.Do the social commentators not realise the consequences of blatant sin?Many are unaware of the power of repentance.Samuel appeals to God by sacrificing a lamb, just as today people repenting would appeal to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb.Can you imagine if our Prime Minister got alongside the Queen on Sunday, saying "Ma'am, may we pray together? We need, as a nation, to repent before God.".Sandy Shaw.
0 comments:
Post a Comment