19 And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” 20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.
1 Samuel 12:19,20 ESV
We serve a God of second, third, fourth, and even fifth changes. Here the Israelites are openly admitting to yet another round of disobedience. In fact they term their actions "evil" and are afraid they will be put to death by Yahweh. What fear and trembling must have been present.
But even with them acknowledging their intentional, on-going sinfulness, they are reassured by Samuel that if they will "not turn aside from following the Lord, they will be spared.
How many times in my life have I feared the smite button from God. Whether it was an intentional sin or a foolhardy choice, many times in my past, God would have been justified in administering harsh retribution. Yet He chose to forgive and protect me.
As undeserved as His mercy was, He showered it time and time again, and continues to this day.
How this should increase our thankfulness to and love for Him, as well as serve as a life model for us.
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