"consider what great things He has done for you.” ~1 Samuel 12:24

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” ~1 Samuel 12:24

Samuel was one of the prophetic greats, part of the story of King Saul, the first king of Isreal. Samuel was the one who anointed David as king. We’re talking about the 1100s BC.

This theme of “serving the Lord with all your heart” continued throughout history until we see it touted as the greatest of all commandments by Jesus in Matthew 10:36-40

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Before the first Easter, the “great things done by the Lord” always included the Exodus - the release from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. Everyone knew about this; in a time without internet, phones, mail, and newspapers, word of the Great God of Israel traveled incredibly fast.

It was all a forecast of what Jesus would do on the cross, releasing humanity from the bondage to sin. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” ~John 3:17

Father, let us never forget what You have done. Take our minds off ourselves and let them focus on Your Son. Allow us to love You with all of our heart and spread Your love to those around us. In His name, Amen!