Addressing the true needs of the Nation

Read 1 Samuel 7.

Here we receive a sweeping overview of the ministry and spiritual impact of Samuel, the last Judge of Israel.  The nation lived in the defeat, fear and oppression of their neighbor Philistia.  What should they do?  Some would have concluded that at least they were alive and just keep peace.  Others would have launched into a massive military build up to go to war.  But instead Samuel called for a national repentance toward the LORD.

The root of the problem was spiritual.  Until the people acknowledged the real problem and dealt with it, God would continue to use the Philistines to gain their attention.

The call to the nation included the following elements.  By the way, these are the same for us today.

1. Returning to the LORD with all their heart.

The definition of repentance is not saying you are sorry.  It involves turning around from going one's own way and turning to God Himself.  It is not joining a church and engaging in religious activities.  It is first and foremost a wholehearted embracing of the One who loves us and gave Himself for us.

2. Putting away the false gods.

The proof of repentance and a love relationship with God is riddance of all that caused us to go our own way in the first place.  Certain people, places and things of pleasure, passion, and possessions can distract us from real life to one of sinful and empty pursuits.

3. Gathering publicly for repentance, prayer, fasting, offering and worship.

No one grows in their faith in a vacuum.  God's design for us to mature in our faith is to engage with other believers.  We all need to be taught the Word of God and be led in putting it into practice with others.  As believers we are part of a family of faith.  A Christian alone is contradiction.

The result is undeniable and powerful.  When God's people joined together with pure hearts for prayer and fasting, the enemy became energized to attack.  We should expect such opposition from Satan and his minions.  But in response to their repentance and prayer to God, the LORD answered (v.9).  He acted swiftly and powerfully on their behalf.  Israel was delivered.

Based on the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)