They May Eventually Turn to Us

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 27:11, Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”

Interesting that of all people to turn to, Saul chose to turn to Samuel. While still alive, Samuel lived in Ramah, which was not far from Gibeah where Saul dwelt. Yet, Saul cared not enough to visit with his old friend. Samuel’s alliance to David may have made Saul feel insecure about confiding in Samuel. Yet, here, after Samuel is no more, Saul is seeking to get answers from the one with whom he did not bother with while he was still amongst the living. So it is with us who boldly proclaim the Name of Jesus, and choose to live for the Lord. People will shun us, persecute us, and even mock us, but when the trials come and the troubles land on their front steps, quite often we are the ones they turn to for prayers and answers. I have often experienced that people who did not want to hear about God, or who were critical because I chose to do things based on God’s Word, were eager to ask for prayers when things were going wrong in their lives. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that we maintain a good Christian testimony whether at work or at play. I am not saying that we have to be perfect, because in this lifetime that is impossible, as Jesus is the only One who is perfect. However, people will take note, even if they are the ones persecuting us, when we do our best to live a life that truly honors Christ. Of all the people Saul could have turned to, he knew that Samuel, as God’s prophet, had a genuine relationship with the Lord. For us, that means living a life that is dedicated to Jesus, without hypocrisy. Far too often, we proclaim the Name of Jesus before others, especially in the one place we spend most of our waking hours, at work; yet, we are usually the ones who have the worst work ethic. We are consistently late, we take longer breaks than we should, and we are the ones who are often complaining the loudest. We walk around with a “whoa is me” attitude, and are often unapproachable, but are the ones who are quick to rebuke or criticize that person in our circle of influence who uses fowl language. Sadly, we are also the ones who participate in the inappropriate conversations, laughing at crude jokes, and freely listening to and sharing gossip. How do we expect to be light in this world or salt on this earth (Matthew 5:13-16), if we do nothing to set ourselves apart from the world? 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 clearly commands, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ 17 Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’” If that leads to our persecution, then be of good cheer, because in Matthew 5:10 Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The bottom line is that we must do all we can to maintain a testimony that honors Jesus, and make ourselves available to those who today might persecute us, but tomorrow, because of adversity in their lives, may seek us out. God might very well choose to use us to reach the same person who wanted nothing to do with the Lord while things were going well for them. Are we ready to be used by the Lord, in that way, for His glory? The condition of our testimony will answer that question.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).