As I was reading the great prophet Samuel’s farewell address to Israel, the following verse jumped out at me: “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24 ESV). Obviously, my desire is to fear and serve the Lord, but according to the verse it seems that I must also “consider what great things he has done” for me. Now, I would imagine that the nostalgic ones among us are continually doing this; reflecting back through the years and ruminating over all the ways that God has been faithful in our lives. Sentimentality and nostalgia are emotions I don’t often experience, but in an effort to apply the Scripture, I dove into my past and rummaged around for a while. And what a marvelous exercise it was. The Lord was with me through the marvelous miracle of my birth! He kept me safe through the troubling years of adolescence, led me into some valuable relationships in my teens, guarded me throughout some difficult life-changing decisions in my early twenties, and even brought me to the superb people of Hicksville Mennonite Church. What an amazing God I serve! Maybe it would serve you well today, to also “consider what great things he has done for you.” Your life is not a random accident. God has done great things and kept you near. Reflect on them, fear God, and serve him faithfully.
By: Pastor Jay Mast
