1 Samuel 12:24 NKJV
Only Fear the Lord
1 Samuel 12:24 NKJV
"Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you."
The Context
In 1 Samuel 12, Samuel has just finished his farewell address to the people of Israel, warning them about the consequences of disobeying God. He reminds them of God's faithfulness and provision, and exhorts them to fear and serve the Lord.
The Command
The command in verse 24 is straightforward: "Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart." This is not a suggestion, but a command. The people of Israel are to fear the Lord, not in the sense of being afraid of Him, but in the sense of having a deep reverence and respect for Him.
The Reason
The reason for this command is given in the second part of the verse: "For consider what great things He has done for you." The people of Israel had experienced God's power and provision firsthand, from their deliverance from Egypt to their conquest of Canaan. They had seen God's mighty hand at work in their lives, and they were to respond to that by fearing and serving Him.
The Application
This verse has a powerful application for us today. Just as the people of Israel were to respond to God's blessings with fear and service, so too are we. We are to remember the great things God has done for us, and respond with a heart of gratitude and obedience.
The Challenge
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we fearing and serving the Lord with all our heart? Are we remembering the great things He has done for us, and responding with gratitude and obedience? May we take this verse to heart, and seek to live a life that honors and glorifies God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 12:24 is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to fear and serve the Lord. May we take this command to heart, and seek to live a life that honors and glorifies God.
