Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
(1 Samuel 12:23-25 ESV)
Samuel had tried every way possible to convince the people of Israel that having a King was not the solution to their problems. They would not listen to him. That's hard when it's your job to do so. There is a twinge of personal rejection. What do you do with that? Like Samuel here, we must continue to love and pray for them. We must continue to lovingly speak the truth and challenge them to live by it. We must point them to the reasons they have to respond in obedience - out of gratitude and love. And we must lovingly remind them of the consequences of not listening to God. Samuel chose well, and continued to influence Israel despite losing his position. May we do likewise.
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