Watchmen: Intercession & Instruction

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.
– 1 Samuel 12:23-25

ESV notes:
Praying (Intercession) and instruction are two of Samuel’s major roles as the prophet of the Lord, even after the inauguration of kingship.

From now on, Samuel is no longer the Judge of all Israel: the age of kingship has begun. But this is neither a retirement ceremony for Samuel, nor his last public address; as the prophet who gives the word of God to the king and people of Israel, his authority remains powerful, and he still has one more king to anoint (the shepherd David).

Despite Israel’s turn to man as king (instead of God as King), an evil sin, Samuel still plays his role as intercessor for his people. If Samuel were to choose to do otherwise, this would incur sin upon his own personal life…for this was his purpose, for prayer and for instruction as “the prophet”.

How sobering it is that this prophet’s prayers can be overturned because of the choices made by a people. No security within themselves, no security within their king, nor the prayers of this righteous man can save them from their own destruction. By choosing to fear their own strengths, by choosing to serve self, by choosing unfaithfulness, a people and their king will be swept away.

“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf”
– Proverbs 11:28

In the midst of transition or unexpected turning of events, it remains critical to live out the purpose that is created within us. It is a call to walk the good and right path that is set before us. May that I not cease to be the man that I was created to be. Despite my surroundings or the actions of others, I choose to live in boldness.

Lord my hope is in you, reveal the good and right path that you have placed before me. Help me by your Spirit to do all that you have purposed for me.
Amen