IT FEELS PERSONAL!

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

IT FEELS PERSONAL!

1 Sam 8:5-7

5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.

7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

           “No offense!” Have you ever had someone say that to you after slamming you with a very offensive action or comment? Certainly, you have! It may have been true and it may even have been good advice – but it felt very personal.

           Behold thou art old! Samuel was not too old to remember his days in the Temple as a young apprentice under Old Eli. He could still hear the voice that stirred him again and again in the night, calling his name. He could still feel the chills that crawled along his skin as he said: “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” The answer and instructions were shocking.

           It’s not you. It’s your God! If you are feeling a bit abandoned by former friends and associates, it may feel personal but please understand that, if you are following God’s path for your life, it may not be personal at all. Shake it off and listen to and obey God.

John 15:20

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Dear Lord, help me to expect no better treatment than you received in the house of your friends. AMEN