“Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you.2 Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lordand his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.” 4 “You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.” 5 Samuel said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said.” 1 Samuel 12.1-5
When I think of a good finale, I think of a Fourth of July fireworks show. As a kid, these shows seemed to go on forever. I’d sit on a blanket in the grass with my family at the Wichita Falls Country Club, staring in amazement at the sky, enjoying the lights, explosions, and festivities. But it was the finale we always looked forward to—the moment when dozens of fireworks would burst all at once, overwhelming the senses!
Saul’s finale is different, but it’s still worth noting. In this chapter, in the first five verses, he is preparing the people to hear his final words. He admits that he is “old and gray” and that his sons are now with him. He has served as their leader “from youth until this day.”
Now, he prepares them for a final message of both encouragement and warning. This finale, which we will read in the second half of the chapter, reminds the people of the Lord’s faithfulness to them—and of their own struggles with faithfulness. Saul’s closing instructions offer wisdom from a great prophet who, before he dies, speaks to a people prone to wavering in obedience, faith, and relationship with God.
The people of Israel sound a lot like me. I don’t know if you can relate, but my obedience sometimes wavers. There are seasons when I am deeply devoted, Spirit-filled, and serving Christ faithfully. Yet I often find myself falling short of the discipline I’d like to have. I wrestle with obedience daily, even though I know the Lord’s way, wisdom, and path are best for me.
I see myself in the people of Israel. I remember God’s faithfulness just long enough to forget it! But with each new day, I pray for the strength to be the person He has called me to be—to trust in His word, rely upon His name, and be filled with His Spirit so that Jesus may have His way in me.
What is God asking of you and your life? If this finale were spoken directly to you, how would you receive it? And what would you do to run the race of life with endurance—so you might finish the race, win the crown of glory, and spend eternity with Christ?
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. Even when my love fails, You are steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your love. Help me know the power of Your word and the kindness of Your Spirit. Forgive me, Father, and draw me to Your throne. Each day is a blessing, each breath a gift. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen