“Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah. 7 When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. 8 They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 Then Samuels took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him. 10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. 11 The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar.” 1 Samuel 7.5-11
Now we are cooking! This is how the people of God should relate to the Lord. Upon returning to Him, they pour out offerings as Samuel intercedes. They fast and confess, saying, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Their return and devotion make all the difference. They defeated the Philistines, slaughtering them and pursuing them for a long while.
And all this is great. They have returned and are experiencing a victory for Israel. Yet notice the phrase that is repeated eight times in just seven verses—”the LORD.” Again and again, this phrase is emphasized, and it stands out especially in this version of the NIV because “the LORD” is in all caps!
Before, the people did not put God at the center of their thoughts and hearts. They were taking Him for granted. They knew about Him but did not know Him; they did not honor Him. But here and now, in this moment of recommitment, they are loving and serving God, and He is helping them defeat their enemies. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Isn’t it amazing how things change when we are in a right relationship with God? How things just happen to go our way? How relationships are often better? How blessings come pouring down upon us? And yet, I know it’s not always sunshine and daisies! Sometimes we are in a right relationship with God and still face hardships, persecution, and challenges. But in this instance, God chooses to bless the obedience of His people. They return to Him, and He shows favor by saving them from the Philistines.
God can move however He wants, but our response should always be to love, serve, and obey—regardless of what we might or might not receive in return.
“O Lord God, come down to us, call us to Yourself. Find us faithful and willing. Help us be obedient to Your will and Your call on our lives. Bless Your people, save Your church, redeem the lost, heal the sick. Use us to bring Your Kingdom to earth, that we might be Your people, and You might be our God. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen