1 Samuel 7- Returning to the Lord
Read 1 Samuel 7:3
Today’s Truth
When we read this passage, we think about how we’ve seen in Moses and Gideon and we’ll see later in David and other places in the Bible where people feel unfit for that to which God has called them, and we’ve talked about this on previous podcast episodes. What’s interesting though is that Saul has that kind of humility, as God is calling him to be king, his first reaction is, “Who am I? Like I’m the least, one of the least tribes of Israel, the humblest of all the clans, why has God spoken to me in this way?”
So, he’s humble at the start of his life, but that humility, as we read in the pages to come, turns into pride, and Saul forgets who he is apart from God. Saul ends up rising up in defiance against God and his words, and this is such a clear reminder that humility in the beginning does not guarantee humility in the end.
Discussion Questions
- What idols or distractions do you need to remove from your life to fully commit to God?
- How has God helped you in the past, and how can remembering His faithfulness strengthen your trust in Him today?
- What steps can you take to deepen your commitment and obedience to God?
Application
This passage teaches us that true spiritual renewal requires three things:
Repentance – The Israelites had to let go of their idols and sinful ways. Likewise, we must surrender anything that draws us away from God.
Commitment – Returning to God is not just about removing sin; it’s about fully devoting ourselves to Him in obedience.
Trust in God’s Deliverance – When the Israelites repented, God fought their battle. When we turn to Him, He gives us victory over sin, fear, and struggles.
Samuel marked this moment of deliverance with a stone called Ebenezer, meaning “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” This reminds us to look back and see how God has been faithful in our lives.
