Theme: STRIVE TO BE SAVED
Text: “Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.” – 1 Samuel 12:3.
Comment: The need for appraisals as we run the race of life is highlighted in the story of the Prophet Samuel. Not that we seek to make a public show of our righteousness but subjecting one’s self to scrutiny and constructive criticism helps one to either improve in areas one may not be meeting up or continue in well doing. Either way, it helps to keep one in check by the grace of God.
In the course of discharging his duty as a priest and prophet in Israel, Samuel at an advanced age caused the people to openly accuse him of any wrong. Worth remarking is the fact that it was Samuel himself who was recalling a range of vices to their memory but the people were unanimous in their reply “…Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken aught of any man’s hand.” (verse 4). Of a truth, the practice of righteousness is achievable, God helping us. (Genesis 6:9; Job 1:1; 1 John 3:7). Like Paul the apostle, we could set a target for ourselves on a daily basis, “to have always a conscience void of offence…” – Acts 24:16.
God Who saw the faithful worshippers of old to the end will also see us through to the end will by His grace Romans 15:4.