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FEAR – SERVICE – CONSIDERATION We return many hundreds of years before Christ to read the words of our text this month. Not long after the people had insisted that Samuel go to God on their behalf and demand a king, the great leader, Samuel, spoke these words to the nation. They are clear: "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart, for consider how great things he hath done for you." What can we learn from this text? Jehovah had granted the people a king to rule over them, but warned them of its effects and expressed his displeasure with them. Then the people began to be distressed, and Samuel spoke the words of our text to them - words of sound advice indeed! First, we note that he says to "fear the Lord." This is our duty; it is the "whole of man" (Eccl. 12:13, ASV). An awesome, fearsome respect is meant. One who does not fear God is foolish, for "the fear of the Lord is the beginnning of wisdom" (Psa. 11:10; Job 28:28). One who does not fear God has not even started to become wise! Concerning the wicked, "there is no fear of God before his eyes" (Psa. 136:1). The great man Job "feared God and eschewed evil" (1:1). Even the gentile centurion was one who "feared God with all his house" (Acts 10:2). God's word abundantly teaches the duty of man to "fear God." Second, Samuel says to "serve him." Man has always had a choice as to whom he will render his service. He has always had a choice of two masters, but he cannot serve both at the same time (Matt. 6:24). A servant of God, Joshua, once spoke the sentiment of every man who truly fears God. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve" (Josh. 24:15). The manner of service is also pointed out by Samuel - "in truth with all your heart." To serve God "in truth" is to do it in his designated way. A service "with the heart" is one free from hypocrisy and insincerity. Joshua also said to "fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth" (24:14). He said the same thing Samuel did in our text. We must serve God with every faculty we possess; with every ounce of our being. Our bodies are to be worn out in service to him. Any other use of them will be fruitless in eternity. Now, notice the motive behind the fear and service. Not only does Samuel say what to do, but also says why do it. "Consider how great things he hath done for you." Have you ever really given consideration to the many ways in which God has been good to you? In the words of the old song, "Count Your Many Blessings, See What God Has Done." How about your material prosperity? Oh, you may not be rich by the world's standards, but have you gone hungry? Probably not. Have you a roof over your head? Probably so. Do you have raiment to wear? Surely you do. If so, then Paul says, "be content" (1 Tim.6:8). If you are a Christian, you above all men are richly blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). You have great promises, and there is no reason to believe that God shall not keep those promises. I challenge you - think on this. In the quietness of home, sit down and list the many things that God has blessed you with; write down the things that you have been so fortunate to receive, and the good things that have happened to you might surprise you. But those blessings are reciprocal - the one who receives them must do his part as well, and that duty is clearly seen in our text - "fear the Lord, and serve him with all your heart ..." |
