TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When they [the Israelites] had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” 1 Samuel 7:6
Read: 1 Samuel 7:5-6
Listen: 1 Samuel 7
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Following their decision to repent and return to the Lord, the Israelites do three things under Samuel’s direction. They (1) pour out water before the Lord, (2) fast and (3) confess their sin. All of these are acts of worship as Israel admits they are wrong and seek the forgiveness of God. The first of these (pouring out water) suggests repentance and symbolized pouring themselves out to God. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion explains more. It also reminds us of when Samuel’s mother, Hannah, prays fervently to God for a child. She describes it as “pouring out my soul to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15).
Part of Israel’s serious business with God on this day involves confession. As a nation, they recognize that their conduct has been wrong and is offensive to the Lord. They do as a nation what we are to do as Jesus-followers. We are called to recognize the existence and reality of the sins we’ve committed. The Apostle John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). When we acknowledge we have done wrong, God provides complete and perfect cleansing to us. Confession opens the door to experience the forgiveness Jesus offers to all who trust in him.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Confess the sin you remember from yesterday before the Lord. Simply admit that you’ve fallen short of what God desires for you. After you’ve confessed, be sure to thank him for his forgiveness and the “clean slate” he offers you today. Thank him for Jesus, who provided the only way of forgiveness on the cross.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse!
PSALMS 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
