Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Repentance and communal restoration

Bible Reading: :: 1 Samuel 7: 1-12

Key verse:  

Bible Verse: “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and he named it Ebenezer saying,” Thus far the LORD has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7: 12)

DEVOTION

The context of today’s devotion begins when the Israelites, acting in pride, took the ark of the Lord into battle, believing it would guarantee victory—as though God Himself were obligated to lead them. Instead, they were defeated by the Philistines, and the ark was captured. However, God demonstrated His power by sending plagues upon the Philistines, who became fearful and ultimately returned the ark to Israel.
During this period, Samuel called the people to repentance, urging them to turn away from foreign gods and to “direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him only.” In response, the Israelites mourned before the Lord, removed the Baals and other idols, fasted, and confessed their sins (1 Samuel 7:2–6).
This passage reminds us that repentance is more than an emotional response—it involves a deliberate choice that flows from a transformed heart. When an entire nation or church makes that choice together, the impact can extend across generations.
When the Philistines soon attacked again, seeing the Israelites gathered in one place, Israel responded differently than before. Instead of rushing into battle, they pleaded with Samuel to cry out to the Lord on their behalf—and he did. This time, the Lord thundered with a mighty voice, throwing the Philistines into confusion, and they were decisively defeated.
Repentance enables us to shift the focus from our acts and sins to the One who has carried our sins and paid the price for our freedom. And when we do that as a church, we can truly transform the world around us.  

PRAYER

Lord, forgive us our sins as we have hurt through our words, thoughts and actions. Enable us to walk closely with you all the days of our lives. 

Thought for the DAY

Repentance is a characteristic of the whole life, not the action of a single moment.


Noel George - Long Island MarThoma Church, New York

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