Shabbat Devotional 6-20-26

Because of HIS great name!

TORAH: Numbers 16:1-18:32

PROPHETS: I Samuel 11:14-12:22

GOSPEL: Matthew 26:13-24

Throughout our nation’s history, we have faced moments of deep defeat—wars, pandemics, and economic crises that leave us wondering how we will endure. Today, division feels greater than ever, and many look to government leaders for solutions. But are we looking in the right place?

In 1 Samuel, we find Israel at a low point. Feeling defeated, they considered surrendering to Nahash, king of the Ammonites, who would only agree if he gouged out the right eye of every man—publicly disgracing Israel. Instead of crying out to God, seeking the prophet, or praying, they looked for human rescue.

God moved through Saul, empowering him to act: “When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger” (1 Samuel 11:6). Through Saul, Israel defeated the Ammonites and was delivered.

What stands out is not Saul himself, but that God’s Spirit worked through him. Though Saul did not appear to seek God, the Lord still used him. The people asked for a king, and God granted their request, leading to Saul’s confirmation as king.

In the next chapter, Samuel rebukes the people for wanting a king when God was already their ruler. He reminds them of God’s faithfulness—how, time and again, when they cried out, He delivered them. Even when they turned away, God responded with mercy when they repented. God remains faithful, working on our behalf even when we fail to seek Him. As Samuel reminds them: “For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own” (1 Samuel 12:22).

Samuel warns them to fear and obey the Lord. If they do, they will prosper; if not, they will face His judgment. Sometimes God gives us what we want, even when it is not what we need, reminding us that our hope should be in Him alone—not in human leaders.

One of the most convicting moments is Samuel’s commitment to pray for the people. He says it would be a sin not to intercede for them saying “Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.” (1Samuel 12:23) He knew that only God could change hearts. Despite their rejection, Samuel chose to pray rather than grow bitter, modeling faithful leadership.

Like Samuel, we are called to pray—for our leaders, our nation, and our world. Whether decisions align with our desires or not, we must remember that only God can transform hearts. If failing to pray is a sin, how much greater is it when we do not pray at all?