2-2-2018

 Good Morning All,

  1 Samuel 7:12; “Thus far has the Lord helped us.”

    It has worked so far.  It worked in the past.  It is the way we have always done it.  These are phrases that we often use.  We usually use them when some introduces that really ugly word “CHANGE.”  Why would we want to change; it has worked so far.  Some people despise change; it introduces a whole new set of chaos in their lives.  Some people thrive on change; if it is new they want it.  If something is innovative; they cannot survive without it.  So some folk never want change and some folk want everything to change; how do we find the right path?

     I remember being at a convention a number of years ago and listening to a conversation that an older gentlemen and a young man was having.  The two were neighbors and their community was looking to change the form of the government from a council to a city-manager type.  The young man was all for it and the older man wasn’t to sure.  The older man said something that has stuck with me ever since he said it.  He said, “There is nothing wrong with change, but before you change something you should find out why it is the way it is.”  It may not be eloquent but it is pretty profound.

    Events or traditions or practices don’t just happen.  They occur and evolve for a reason.  It may not be a valid reason but there was a reason.  The practice of shaking hands with the right hand began as a sign that “I am unarmed and come in peace.” The dagger that I carried was not out and ready to be used.  This is also why left-handed people were viewed as sinister; they could shake hands with their right while holding a dagger in the left hand.  So while the need for this practice is probably gone; it continues on.  It also used to be the custom for the rite of Baptism having the new convert immersed in the baptismal font naked.  This tradition ended with the wintry blast of northern Europe.  Some things stay the same and some things change.

    In our verse, we see a reason for us to not change.  The prophet Samuel was telling the people why they should stay with the true God of Israel.  He was telling them that God has been faithful to them.  God had kept all his promises that he had made.  Right up until this moment God was faithful to his word.  Thus far, God has delivered what he has promised.  God is faithful; there is no need to look for a different God; the one true God, which we have, has never broken a promise made so why would we switch?

    Samuel would say the same thing to you and me.  God has been faithful to us and continues to be faithful to us to this very day.  There has been nothing that changes that and we can take comfort in that.  In a world where everything seems to be changing and not always for the good or for any reason at all, God is faithful.  In a world that looks to change on you before you get the old ideas and thoughts paid for; it is changed God never changes.  His nature never changes and his nature is to love you.  God loves you and that will never change.  Thus far he has loved you and from now on He will continue to love you.

Dear Father, we give you thanks for the wellbeing which we enjoy.  Keep us mindful of how great your love is and how weak we truly are.  Heal those who are in most need of your grace.     In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret