Gospel Reflections #907: Our Choice

1 Samuel 12:4 They replied, "You have not oppressed us or treated us harshly. You have not taken anything from anyone's hand."

This passage depicts the people acknowledging how just and fair Samuel's rule had been as Israel's last "judge." Samuel declared he had never abused his power by seizing the people's oxen or donkeys, nor had he ever accepted bribes, and the people fully agreed.

In this farewell address, Samuel emphasized his faithful service to include a warning about the impending monarchy (Saul's reign).

Humans often seek strength and power over sincerity.

This is surely because they envision being benefited by that strength.

God's kingdom is based on the principle of free will.

This includes responsibility for our choices.

We must remember that choosing what is visibly pleasant leads to one outcome, while choosing God's way—even if unrecognized by others—leads to a completely different one.

Yet, rather than choosing out of fear of the outcome, we desire to choose as a response of gratitude and joy toward God, knowing who He truly is.

Even if no one notices, even if no one acknowledges, God is the One who sees our small acts of faithfulness and sincerity.

Today, let us look up firmly toward God through the window of heaven.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.