Bible Pathways 4/9/2001
April 9
Read I Samuel 25 -- 27
Samuel was one of the greatest spiritual giants in Israels history and is listed as one of the heroes of the faith, but just one sentence records the death of this grand old prophet. The all-wise God, who controls the universe, knew what was best at this treacherous time in Israels history. And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him (I Samuel 25:1).
Comfort is something we all crave and need. Especially is this true in the trying experiences of sorrow, distress, and grief that we face when a loved one dies. Those of us who have lost loved ones know what a word of compassion can mean in those difficult hours. As we see others suffering, our Heavenly Father has said: Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God (Isaiah 40:1).
The old prophet Samuel had lived a lonely life for more than 30 years. No one was in greater need of guidance by Samuel than King Saul. He had been rebuked for his sins and was solemnly told by the prophet that God had rejected him as king. Even before this, Samuel had been rejected by the elders of Israel as their judge. And God gave them Saul as their king. But Samuel remained faithful to God and the people, saying: God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way (I Samuel 12:23).
We are tempted at times to think that death has come to the wrong person or has come at the wrong time, especially when a child is left without a mother who was taken by death. It seems that life should have been prolonged until the child or the teenager were more prepared to face the world alone. We also may not understand why so many older Christians suffer so long day after day or why children die at such a young age. Familiar as we are with death, the ways of God regarding it may seem strange to us. But, without a doubt the God of love comforts the brokenhearted without exception. Because of His great love we are enabled to endure all difficulties. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death . . . Thou art with me (Psalms 23:4). God never abandons His children but leads them to look beyond their grief and trust in His tender love to comfort their broken spirit. In our handicaps, sufferings, and sorrows, the Lord is ever present within us. Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day (II Corinthians 4:16). For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. . . . Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Death for the Christian is an entrance into the fullness of eternal life, a promotion from this worlds suffering, and a welcome home by our wonderful Lord. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (Revelation 21:4).
Last, but not least, the death of loved ones makes Heaven all the more desirable for us who remain. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalms 116:15).
Christ Revealed: By Abigail's efforts to make peace between David and Nabal (I Samuel 25:21-28). God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself (II Cor. 5:19).
Word Studies: 25:3 churlish means rough, uncouth; 25:14 railed means insulted; 25:28 a sure house means a lasting dynasty; 26:7 bolster means pillow; 27:10 road means raid, i.e. fighting.
Government Officials: Rep. Earl Hilliard (AL), Rep. Joe Scarborough (FL), and Rep. Floyd Spence (SC) · BPM Staff: Rick Hash · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WCVJ-FM, Jefferson, OH · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Sam Hall · Country: Comoros (563,000) in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean · Major languages: Shaafi Islam (Swahili dialect) and Malagasy · Limited religious freedom · 99.7% Muslim; .2% Roman Catholic/Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Recognize the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness and praise Him (Psalms 100:4-5).
Optional Reading: Acts 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 34:7
