“EMPTY THINGS”
(1 Samuel 12:1 – 14:46)
Do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. – 1 Samuel 12:20b-21
“In May of 1998, the failure of a control processor on board the Galaxy IV communications satellite caused it to rotate out of position and turn away from the earth. In an instant, 40 million pagers became useless pieces of plastic. Hundreds of retail stores and scores of radio and TV stations were also affected–all because one satellite turned the wrong way.” – (David C. McCasland, Our Daily Bread)
When we turn the wrong way, wrong things happen. It was true of God’s people thousands of years ago, and it’s true today.
Courtroom language is used in First Samuel, chapter 12. Witnesses, testimony, charges, defense. After Samuel is tried and found to be an innocent and faithful leader, charges are leveled against Israel. God delivered His people from Egypt, brought them into the Promised Land, raised up judges, and defeated enemies. Yet, still, the people of Israel turned their back, served idols and “forgot the Lord their God” (v. 9).
Finally, in fear of God’s judgment, they asked Samuel to pray for their deliverance. Samuel responds with hope and then instruction; “Do not turn aside from following the Lord … And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty” (v. 20b-21).
So much of our lives are spent on seeking after “empty things.” Bigger. Newer. Faster. Shinier. King Solomon is a monumental example of getting it wrong. His end-of-life journal, the book of Ecclesiastes, sums it up. He declares that there is nothing in the world that he wanted that he did not get – wealth, fame, power, harems, military strength, extravagance, and more. Yet the overriding lament in his final years was that all of it was all vanity. Emptiness.
Here’s the reality, in all of our puny pursuits for earth’s measly things, none has delivered satisfaction. None ever will.
Application
- Consider what aspects of your life that may have become idols – career, relationships, hobbies, etc. Establish consistent practices of prayer, Bible study, worship, and service to deepen your relationship with God and guard against earthly allurements.
Reflection
- Samuel highlights the futility of idolatry – pursuing anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God. Such pursuits lead to spiritual emptiness and separation from God’s purpose for our lives.
- Thank God that despite our shortcomings, He remains faithful. Samuel’s exhortation reassures that even after failures, returning to God with sincerity restores our relationship with Him through His love and grace.
Closing Prayer…
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my divided heart and draw me back to wholehearted devotion. Help me recognize and forsake modern idols, placing You at the center of my life. Empower me to serve You faithfully, finding true joy and purpose in Your presence. Guide my steps, strengthen my commitment, and let my life reflect Your glory. Amen.
About our Author
John A Pra was born and raised in Queens, NY and has lived almost all of his life in the metropolitan area. After graduating from Bible college (now University of Valley Forge) he entered into full-time pastoral ministry. John and his wife, Diana, have been living in Carlstadt since 1990, pastoring Cornerstone Church and now at Transformation Life Church since 2022.
John and Diana have been married for 39 years and have three children and one granddaughter (who owns them). Besides loving time spent with family, he enjoys sports, reading, travel, and the golf course.
READ MORE
February 9 – Reading 40
FEBRUARY 9 - Reading 40by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | February 9“CONSECRATED TO CARRY HIS PRESENCE”(Exodus 37:1 - 40:38) “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” — Exodus 40:34 Have you ever prepared your...
February 8 – Reading 39
FEBRUARY 8 - Reading 39by Tim Satryan | February 8“MORE THAN ENOUGH”(Exodus 33:1 - 36:38) And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its...
February 7 – Reading 38
FEBRUARY 7 - Reading 38by Tim Satryan | February 7“CONSIDER THE COST”(Exodus 30:1 - 32:35) The next day Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” So Moses returned to the LORD...