Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 7 (day one)
“In repentance and rest you shall be saved.”–Isaiah 30:15
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up. . . and named it Ebenezer “stone of [God’s] help”–1 Samuel 7:12
It was a sermon in stone. An object lesson. A reminder of the victory and rest that comes when God has all of my heart rather than just part of it.
Samuel traveled the length of the nation preaching his powerful sermon–v 3. As hearts began to soften, he called the nation to a solemn assembly at Mizpah–a moment of public repentance. When the Philistines were not amused and sent an army to break up this revolt-in-the-making, God came! Came to help. Came to give victory.
After the battle was over, Samuel wanted Israel (us) to mark and remember the lesson. When I repent ( honest with God, full surrender, single identity), God comes to help! What wasn’t possible before, now is. Then I can rest.
A call for repentance for each single identity is worthy to take notice. It would be a good practice to do every night before bed! Our Mother (deceased) made us do every night in our early years before bed. I am convinced that a daily practice of praise God, repentance and rest should be our way to joy, peace and permanent salvation!
Repentance will lead to peace. Rest is an indication of peace. It is comforting to know, “When I repent ( honest with God, full surrender, single identity), God comes to help! What wasn’t possible before, now is. Then I can rest.”~~Don Guthrie
Repentance will bring us closer to God!! Without God, there is no peace and no salvation, I am a true believer in the value of repentance!