1 Samuel 7
This chapter is a major turning point for Israel. After getting the Ark of the Covenant back, they have a period of genuine repentance as Samuel intercedes for them. It is apparent that their renewed faith, renouncement of idols, and commitment to the Lord had changed the people dramatically. Not only did they reject the gods of the Philistines, but they were able to make peace with the neighboring Amorites, a nation with whom they used to feud.
Israel is finally renouncing their pride and seeking God. To remember all that God has done, they set up an Ebenezer. An Ebenezer is a rock that serves as a monument to remember God’s help and deliverance. Israel is turning back to God, and they don’t want to forget it.
In this text, Samuel is standing in stark contrast to the line of Judges before him. Many of these Judges forgot God’s character, and turned to idol worship, murder, and promiscuity. Yet Samuel shows his humility by leading Israel to repentance and remembrance of God’s character.
In this text, Samuel puts on display the type of leadership that God desires. He boldly calls Israel to reject foreign Gods and serve Yahweh only. He prays with Israel and sets up an Ebenezer so that they might remember the help and deliverance of their God, and not forget it like they did many times before.
All of us, as followers of Jesus, are leaders in some capacity. Whether you're investing in one person, or lead a DT group or lead a Village, God requires us to be people who lead out in humility.
Take some time to think about your leadership. How often do you pray for the people you lead? How often do you repent alongside them? How often do you lead them to celebrate and remember what God has done in their lives?
If this isn’t something you do often, there is no shame or guilt. All of us have fallen into leadership that is habitual or prideful at times. Take some time right now to pray for the people you influence. Repent to God for times that you have forgotten or neglected his character.
Just as Samuel interceded for Israel, Jesus is ever interceding for us. He is our ultimate leader and high priest. This week, may we walk in Samuel’s example of godliness by humbly repenting and interceding for those we lead. Let us remember God’s goodness and deliverance.
