Turning to Jesus

We are 40% through our year-long Bible reading. Today’s passages were 1 Samuel 4-7 and Matthew 4. Eli and his family die, and the Philistines are wrecking the Israelites. The Philistines slaughtered thousands of Israelites and stole the Ark, only to return it after experiencing God’s severe judgment. In Chapter 7, Samuel begins his ministry by telling the people to abandon their idols and worship only God.

‘Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you want to return to the Lord with all your hearts, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Turn your hearts to the Lord and obey him alone; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.” So the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth and worshiped only the Lord.   Then Samuel told them, “Gather all of Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” So they gathered at Mizpah and, in a great ceremony, drew water from a well and poured it out before the Lord. They also went without food all day and confessed that they had sinned against the Lord. (It was at Mizpah that Samuel became Israel’s judge.)  ‘
1 Samuel 7:3-6

The people listened and responded appropriately. We see Samuel act as an intercessor, praying and leading the Israelites in repentance so that God might deliver them from their enemies. In Matthew 4, we learn of the perfect intercessor, Jesus, who fasted for 40 days, overcame the devil, and began his ministry. Both Samuel and Jesus call people to turn away from sin and follow God. While Samuel intercedes on behalf of the people to seek God’s mercy, Jesus not only intercedes but also accomplishes salvation for all believers through his own sinless life and work. In this way, Samuel foreshadows Jesus. However, Jesus is the perfect priest, the perfect intercessor, the perfect sacrifice, the Holy Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.

‘From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” ‘
Matthew 4:17

Samuel and Jesus had a similar message: repent of your sins and turn to God.

How can I turn to God?

I thought about turning to God, and what does that look like for me? It’s putting his will before mine. For me, it’s submitting to his Lordship over my life, giving up my personal desires, my interests, my habits, and aligning my heart with the heart of Christ.

How can I serve my King today? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father, Holy is your name. I repent of all my personal sins and ask forgiveness for all my family’s sins, ancestors and descendants. Lord, let your good, perfect will reign in my life. Holy Spirit, guide my every thought, every action, every reaction, and my every word. I turn to you today and submit my will to your Lordship in my life and in my family’s life. In Christ’s name, amen.