Today’s readings.. (1 Samuel 11,12), (Isaiah 55), (Revelation 19,20)

There can be no half measures in serving the LORD, either we are fully committed  – or not – there is the narrow way – or the broad way. Our first reading today describes the success of King Saul when he began his reign, he did serve the LORD – he began well, encouraged and guided by Samuel. We have no Samuel to guide us, but we have God’s word – all of it. Samuel exhorts the people and Saul, “Serve the LORD with all your heart…. do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit … Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you …. Fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart.” [1 Sam 12 v.20,21,23,24] All around us people occupy their minds with ‘empty things.’  We are going to read in coming days , the failure of Saul to follow the LORD with all his heart – a lesson for us.

Next – what a wonderful vision Isaiah records for us, it is somewhat parallel to Samuel’s. He tells God’s people not to “labour for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me …” [55 v.2]  We can read – diligently – what God has caused to be written and preserved – “Seek the LORD while he may be found” [v.6] is an even more urgent call to us today.  “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and … water the earth, making it bring forth… so shall my word be that goes from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty , but it shall accomplish that which I purpose … for you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace” [v.10-12]

Chapter 20 in Revelation spells out that wondrous time to come, a time when those who are not ‘marked’ by the “beast” of humanity with fleshly attitudes and ambitions, but have served  “the LORD with all their heart “ – not being distracted and turning “aside after fleshly things” – they will have experienced wonder far beyond our comprehension when they came “to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” [20 v.4]   Parts of the final chapters of Revelation look back over time – from the perspective of timelessness – what a perception of “heart” will then be achieved – may we develop clearness of vision and a dedicated sense of commitment with all our heart so that, by the grace of God, we will be there.