Trusting When it is Hard

 1 Samuel 6-10     Psalm 116     Matthew 16

Living in the promised land the people of Israel continue to struggle with being faithful to the Lord. While the ark has been returned the Philistines still rule over them because of their unfaithfulness and unwillingness to follow the ways of the Lord. Samuel judges over them and his own sons fail to follow in his footsteps and follow the Lord. The people demand to Samuel that a king be appointed over them so they would be like the nations surrounding them.

God is clear that this is not a rejection of Samuel but of God has Samuel lay out what having a king will cost them and when you read the list it is clear that they will not be free. God warns them they will not be happy by the demands of a king, but they reject that word and want a king. God lays out to l the process for the choosing of a king and tells Samuel to give them what they want.

Samuel makes it clear to them that by their actions they are rejecting the same Lord that delivered them from the time they were in Egypt. Even after they have their king some reject him and speak out against him while he remains silent.

The song proclaims the love of the Lord because he hears our voice and listens so we will call upon him as long as we live. Even in the darkest days we can call on the Lord and know that he will care for us.

When we are brought low, he will save us. We are to lift our praises to him and offer our vows before the Lord as our witness. We shall offer the gift of thanksgiving at all times and enter into his presence to offer our praise.

Matthew tells us the leaders of the Jews continue to challenge Jesus at every opportunity. He warns the disciples to watch out for their teaching and how it can impact all those around them. When Jesus ask who the people say he is it leads him to ask who they say he is. Peter declares he is the Christ, the son of the Living God. While Jesus recognizes what Peter says as true, he warns them of the continued cost of following God’s ways. When Peter challenges him Jesus rebukes him and tells him he is not focused on the things of God but of man’s desire. The cost of being a disciple of Jesus is the willingness to take up the cross, carry the sins of others and giving up self for the good of all.

Once again, we see the difference between obedience to God and disobedience.  Faith is trusting God even when we cannot see or even feel his presence. It is trusting God will do what is best for his kingdom and we must place our trust in him even when we cannot see how that is possible