I decided after wandering through Romans 12 that I would wander through 1 Samuel. Chapter 12 is the prophet Samuel’s Farewell Address. Israel had asked for a king, which displeased Samuel. Prior to that they had been governed by judges and prophets. Now they wanted to be like all the other nations around them and have a king. So, at God’s direction, Samuel anointed Israel’s first, Saul.
Samuel was an old man now. He had served the LORD since he was a young boy. He invited the nation Israel to testify against him about his tenure as their leader.
Within that section, he asks them as series of questions. Several times he begins his questions, “Have I ever …?” and the people responded, “No, you have never ….” [1 Samuel 12:1-5 NLT]
Samuel’s question haunted me for a little while. I don’t know if I would ever have the courage to ask, “Have I ever …?” I know the mistakes I have made. I know there are those who could probably testify against me about something.
Then the Holy Spirit rose up in my heart and reminded me that when I surrendered my heart to my Savior and LORD, Christ Jesus, He set me free from sin and shame. He created a new person in me. He forgave my sins and He promised that He would never hold those things against me. People may be able to “testify” against me, but my Father God never will. Praise God!