My People

We have a friend that will often comment that we are his people. It always makes me smile because I know that he means it and we feel the same way about him. He and his wife are friends that we connect with and enjoy spending time with. We all know that in a moment’s notice we would be there for each other.

In my studies the other day I came across a verse that reads, “For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.” (1 Samuel 12:22) God calls us “His people,” and I’m sure it’s for the same reasons; that He is connected with us and wants to spend time with us.

When you read the stories of the Nation of Israel at times it might make you wonder why God chose them. Time after time they turned from God and worshiped other things. They complained and murmured when times got tough and they often sought their own will above Gods.

When you think about it, we do the same thing as believers. We too have been chosen by God to be in relationship with him and I wonder how many people look at us and wonder why God chose us. Thankfully the important thing is that God chose us and that is enough. He could have passed us by but He didn’t.

Isn’t it wonderful that that we and the Lord are friends? Isn’t it great that He is our Savior? We are on God’s side and we are His people. He is for us, not against us so we can say with boldness, we are His people. That’s our identity; people of God.

The next two verses give clear direction on what His people should do. “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.  But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12: 23-24)

Samuel set an example of continually praying for others especially when they were out of the will of God like King Saul, he never ceased praying for him and pleading with God on his behalf. Faithfully he prayed and hoped for the best. In the meantime he taught others the ways of God while serving Him with a grateful heart.

The last statement of that verse says to consider what great things He has done for you. What great things has God done for you? What has God done for you that causes you to fear and serve Him faithfully?

The Nation of Israel didn’t consider the many times God delivered them and in an attempt to be like other nations asked for a king. They were asking to replace God and be the people of an earthly king. Not a great trade if you ask me. They failed to consider all that God had done for them.

Again, we do the same when we choose to serve things of this world and identify with them. When we want more than we know God is allowing for our own good. In those moments we are failing to consider all that God has done for us.

To avoid repeating history we can ask ourselves, “Is God the king of my heart or am I demanding another king?” We are guaranteed such an amazing life being known as His people. Why would we want to give up His presence in our lives and all His promises for things that won’t last?

Just like with Israel, God allows us to have our choice and the consequences that follow. I want to follow Samuel’s leading and consider all that God has done for me and make my choice to remain known as “His people.”

My Prayer

Father, thank you for choosing us to be Your people. You want a relationship with us and You offer more than we could ever imagine in this life and in the next. Forgive our wanderings and help to remain with You. Help us to never cease praying for and encouraging each other because that’s what family does. Open our hearts to faithfully serve each other and You with joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Joshua 25:15 (MSG)

“If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you’d rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you’re now living. As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.”