S) "8 Then the sons of Israel said to Samuel, 'Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.' 9 Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it for a whole burnt offering to the Lord; and Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel and the Lord answered him."
1 Samuel 7:8-9 (NASB)
O) The Philistines had relinquished the ark of God, but they were still warring with Israel. The people had just recommitted themselves to the Lord (see vv.1-4), and were now seeking the help of Samuel, that he would pray to the LORD on their behalf, for victory and deliverance. The reason this passage stands out, is their use of the phrase, "Do not cease," while qualifying it with their salvation. Then immediately, Samuel took to action. Not only did he pray until he received an answer, but he sacrificed on their behalf - that is, he went further than their request, in order to meet their needs.
A) The detailed application of this would look different today. There are no temple sacrifices, first of all. Also, because of the reconciliation we have through Christ Jesus, nobody requires prayer by some officer of God. There is no high priest except Jesus, and we can all have a right relationship directly with God, because of His Son. Taking that further, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, given by Jesus, we now share direct communion with God. Having said all of that, there are still times when we request that others join us in prayer for our needs. Just as I might ask someone to pray, and hope they do not delay, neither should I delay in taking action on behalf of my brothers and sisters, when they ask me for help. Also, just as Samuel went beyond the spoken need of those to whom he was ministering, because he knew what needed to be done, I should also be willing to go beyond what people ask of me, in order to meet their needs.
P) Father, the relationships I have because of Your redemption, are even more powerful than blood relationships. My spiritual brothers and sisters are even more important to me, than the brothers and sisters that grew up with me. Give me the discipline to respond to them with conviction, grace, and love, when they need help. Give me wisdom, strength, and resources, to help those in need, even if they do not speak everything that I can or should do. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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