What Has God Done for You?

Today I have been studying for a class in Old Testament History that we have on Tuesday evenings. We are currently studying through the time of the United Kingdom. Tonight, we will be studying the account of the anointing of Saul as the king over Israel. There are many different points that could be made, (and will be made in the class this evening) but one thing in particular struck me while studying this section today. I am often amazed at how much we might overlook in the word of God, no matter how many times we might study a passage!

In 1 Samuel 12, Samuel addressed the nation of Israel, and reprimanded them for rejecting God as their king, and demanding that a man be placed into that position. Near the end of the chapter, Samuel called on God to perform a sign that would show the people that their choice was not the righteous choice. He asked God to send a thunder storm on the crops at the time of the harvest (something that would destroy the harvest). The people got the message, and asked Samuel to intercede with God for them (1 Samuel 12:19). In 1 Samuel 12:23, Samuel assured the people that he would indeed pray for them. In verse 24, Samuel continued his encouragement that they would be faithful to God:

24 Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

Samuel tried to bring their minds back to what God had done for them in the past. That should have been enough to get them to be obedient to God. However, as you continue to examine the history of the Israelites, you will see that they failed to be obedient, and it was not long before they "fogot the Lord their God" again (1 Samuel 12:9). Often, we are very harsh with the people of Israel because of this point! How could they possibly forget about God that quickly? How could they forget what God did for them?

Before we are so harsh, perhaps we need to consider that the same kind of exhortation has been given to us today! I couldn't help but think about two passages in particular that call on us to remember what God has done for us. The first is found in Ephesians 2:1-22. The apostle Paul there reminds us that we were lost in sin--hopelessly condemned because of our transgressions. Yet God, through His beloved Son offered a method of salvation to us. He has given us a way (by the blood of Christ) to have the opportunity to return to a relationship with Him. This blessing is far greater than anything that God did for the children of Israel! How can we consider that God has provided His grace and mercy to us, so that we don't have to spend eternity in Hell, and then turn our backs on Him? And yet so many Christians will do just that today. They will "forget" what has been done for them, and walk away from all of the spiritual blessings that have been offered to us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3-14).

The second passage is found in Hebrews 12:1-3. After reminding the Hebrew Christians of the faithful saints that had passed on before them, the writer comes to the ultimate example: that of Jesus Christ Himself! The writer shows us what Christ did for us. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He did endure the humiliation and the pain of the cross. He made Himself the perfect offering, just for me. And He did that just for you.

If remembering what God did for them would inspire the Israelites to be obedient to Him, how much more so should it be for us today? God has gone so much further for us, He has made a sacrifice so much greater than anything that was offered in the Old Testament era. He has done more for us than He ever did for the Israelites. Let us remember what the Lord has done, and use that memory to inspire us to be faithful to His every command!