The Daily Word: Monday, May 10th, 2021
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.” – 1 Sam. 8:9
The people of Israel wanted a king! Samuel – their prophet – knew it was wrong. But God told him to “heed the voice of the people” (v 7). So Samuel listened to God. He anointed Saul as king; but before he did, he warned Israel that what they were about to do would have consequences.
Your duty is not to force people to make the right decision! It is to “solemnly forewarn them” of what will happen if they follow their flesh instead of God. When you share the Gospel, do you try to convince people to believe in Jesus? Or do you simply and plainly explain to them that there is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun by choosing Jesus, and then let them make their own decision?
Take the pressure off. Stop trying to force people to do the right thing! Instead, “solemnly forewarn them” and let them make their own choice. You will have exercised your duty to warn, and you will have extended the same freedom to them that God extends to you: the right to make your own choice.
“When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” – Ezek 3:18-19
Prayer:
Father, thank You that it is not my job to make other peoples’ decisions for them! It is just my job to warn them that the Word of God outlines that certain things are right, and others are wrong. Help me to know what is within my power to change, and what is not, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.